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| LIBRARY OF CONGRESS. J 

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I UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. J 



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PASTORAL 
REMINISCENCES; 



BY 



y 

SHEPARD K. KOLLOCK, 



WITH. AN 



INTRODUCTION, 



BY 



A. ALEXANDER, 

PROFESSOR IN THE THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY, AT PRINCETON, NEW JERSEY. 



" I would not escape from memory's land 

For all that eye can view ; r3HT ^^ 



For there's dearer dust in memory's land 

Than the ore of rich Peru ; 
I clasp the fetter by memory twined, 
The wanderer's heart and soul to bind 



Miss Holford, 



NEW-YORK: 
PUBLISHED BY M. W. DODD, 

Corner of City Hall Square and Spruce Street. 



V*S> 



.' .''.. . 



• - - • • 



Entered, according to Act of Congress, in the year 1849, by 

M. W. DODD, 

in the Clerk's Office of the District Court, for the Southern District of New York. 



E. O. JENKINS, PRINTER AND STEREOTTPER, 

No. 114 Nassau Street, N. T. 









* *V \*A 



i* 



CONTENTS. 













Introduction . 








Peeface 


. 


t 






CHAPTER 


I 




The Devout Widow . 


• 








CHAPTER 


II. 




The Scottish Seaman 


. 


. 






CHAPTER 


III. 




The Daughter of Dejection Comforted 





CHAPTER IV. 
The Injured Man Subdued 



5 
. 11 

15 

. 37 

68 

. 85 



CHAPTER V. 
The Hardened Convict . 117 

CHAPTER VI. 
The Naval Apostate ... 133 

CHAPTER VII. 
An Old Disciple ... 147 

CHAPTER VIII. 
The Hungry Soul ... 173 

CHAPTER IX. 
The Wrong Step .... 217 



INTRODUCTION. 



There is a striking analogy between the office of a 
pastor and that of a physician. They both have respect 
to the welfare of men ; and while the one seeks to heal 
the diseases of the body, the other aims at restoring to 
health the disordered souls of men. It belongs to each, 
not only to cure, but to prevent diseases ; and to soothe 
and comfort such patients as it may be found impossible 
to cure. As the physician cannot safely follow his pro- 
fession without an accurate knowledge of the human 
frame, so the pastor ought to be well acquainted with 
the constitution of the mind, and with all its faculties, 
susceptibilities and passions. And as the body and 
mind are intimately but mysteriously united, it apper- 
tains to both these professions to be acquainted with the 
effects of this union in their reciprocal influence on the 
constituent parts of our nature ; therefore the knowledge 
of physiology is important to both. I have often been 
struck with admiration at the ardour and self-denial 
manifested by the students of medicine, in acquiring the 
requisite knowledge of the anatomy of the human body, 
2 



VI INTRODUCTION. 

and in making themselves acquainted with the pathology 
of the most loathsome diseases. They learn to enter 
cheerfully into the wards of hospitals, almshouses, and 
asylums for the insane, that they may become acquainted 
with the symptoms of all classes of disease to which the 
human frame is liable ; and they spare no pains in 
making experiments, and ascertaining the efficacy of 
particular remedies and modes of treatment. And I 
have desired to witness something of the same diligence 
and self-denial in candidates for the holy ministry, that 
they might become better qualified to deal with the 
moral diseases of those souls which are committed to 
their care. Every pastor should study to become a 
skilful casuist ; for if he is a faithful shepherd, he will 
meet with a great number and variety of cases of con- 
science, which will call for both his tenderest compas- 
sion and spiritual skill, in the treatment. Well authen- 
ticated cases of particular diseases, and an account of 
the method of treatment which has proved successful, 
are justly held to be highly valuable, especially to the 
young physician ; because, as yet, his own experience is 
too small to guide him to a judicious practice ; and it is 
always found unsafe to trust to mere theory. And I 
am certain that young clergymen stand in as much need 
of such helps as the young physician. I have often 
pitied the condition of a young pastor, when he first 
takes upon him the care of souls, and has devolved upon 



INTRODUCTION. Vll 

him the duty of a spiritual physician to a large number 
of immortals ; whose everlasting welfare may depend 
very much on the treatment which they receive from 
their spiritual physician. It is, therefore, exceedingly 
important that pastors should avail themselves of every 
opportunity to maket hemselves acquainted with casuist- 
ical theology ; and after conversation with experienced 
Christians and exercised souls, on experimental religion, 
there is no better means than a faithful report of cases 
which have actually occurred in the experience of pious 
and faithful pastors. On this account, I greatly ap- 
prove the design of the Rev. S. K. Kollock, to publish 
a volume of " Pastoral Reminiscences," or a de- 
tailed account of certain interesting cases of experience 
which occurred, and of which he was a witness, while a 
pastor of a Christian church. Several of these I have 
had the opportunity of seeing in manuscript ; and can- 
not but think that their publication will be attended with 
beneficial effects to many. With the case of the poor 
widow, who died so triumphant a death, I was particu- 
larly interested. 

Her religion, in my judgment, was of the right kind ; 
its chief characteristics were, strong faith, pure love, 
deep humility, and entire resignation to the will of God. 
Her pastor, at her bedside, was rather a learner than 
a teacher ; and there is no place on earth where instruc- 
tion can be more effectually obtained, than at the dying 



Vlll INTRODUCTION. 

bed of such a saint. I was particularly struck with the 
account which she gave to her pastor, in answer to his 
inquiry, of the way by which she obtained and preserved 
that strong assurance of the favour of God, which she 
habitually enjoyed. It was not by poring over her past 
experience, but by direct acts of faith on the Son of God, 
and steady reliance on his all-sufficient righteousness. 

I have also perused with much satisfaction, the nar- 
rative of the conviction and conversion of the sea-cap- 
tain ; and with the scriptural and judicious method of 
the pastor in answering his objections, and opening up 
to him the plan of God's mercy, and exhibiting clearly 
before him the riches of Divine grace, and the absolute 
freeness of the blessings of the everlasting gospel. This 
narrative, I am of opinion, will be very serviceable to 
young ministers, when called to direct anxious, inquiring 
souls, in the way of salvation. And as the exercises of 
this seaman were very similar to those of other convinced 
sinners, the method pursued so successfully in dealing 
with him, will be found well adapted to other cases. 

As two of the narratives of this volume relate to sea- 
men, it is to be hoped that it will circulate among this 
class of people, and be useful to many, both as contain- 
ing an awful warning from the example of the " Naval 
Apostate ;" and great encouragement from that case 
of conversion which was proved to be genuine by the 
fruits of holiness which ensued. \ The theological senti- 



INTRODUCTION. IX 

ments of the author appear to me to be uniformly sound 
and evangelical ; and I am persuaded that there is noth- 
ing in the volume which will be found offensive to any 
real Christian of any denomination ; and I shall be dis- 
appointed if the book does not meet with a ready sale 
and general approbation. 

Mr. Kollock never manifests any ambition to sayjine 
things ; but his style is always plain and perspicuous, 
and at the same time, neat and correct. 

Upon the whole, I consider this volume a real acces- 
sion to our stock of religious reading ; and I do cordially 
recommend it to the attention and careful perusal of all 
into whose hands it may come ; and especially, to young 
pastors, and candidates for the ministry. 



PREFACE. 



" Of joys departed, never to return, 
How bitter's the remembrance !" 



Yet there is mingled with that bitterness a sweetness 
which makes the cup palatable, and even creates a de- 
sire to drink it. Who would forget the past 1 Who 
would drive from his recollection departed friends, and 
cease to hail them in his memory, connected as they are 
with some of the dearest scenes that ever occurred 1 
We are so constituted as to need this power, and could 
not be happy unless we added to the contemplation of 
things present the fruitful sources of recollection. Mem- 
ory, " with all its busy train," continually retraces de- 
parted events, restores an ideal reality to things which 
are gone, makes them live again in revived imagery, and 
causes them to be seen and heard with renewed emotions. 
— The Christian may experience much profit and delight 
in calling back to his mind the transactions in which he 
once took a part ; in recollecting past conversations and 
intercourse with beloved friends ; and while indulging a 
confident hope that what Divine grace effected for others 



Xll PREFACE. 

can be done for himself, may find memory a sanctified 
instrument of spiritual improvement. 

The following narratives, substantially authentic, are 
partly the effect of recollection, and partly of notes taken 
at the time of recurrence, when the impressions, new and 
vivid, were committed to writing. — No truths have so 
much power as those which we have acquired by experi- 
ence; there is in them a mingling of sensation and emo- 
tion with fact and reasoning, which seems to throw us 
completely under the control of the lessons which are in- 
culcated by our feelings as well as our understandings. 
Hence may arise the superior influence of those instruc- 
tions which are presented in the style of narratives ; they 
introduce the reader into the midst of the events that are 
related, make him a participator in the living scene, and 
produce a stronger and more lasting impression on his 
mind and memory than abstract rules, or mere lectures 
upon morals. — When these narratives are circumstan- 
tially true, portraying things and characters as they 
really existed, they instruct by telling what may actually 
be done, and what should be faithfully imitated. 

Such is the nature of the following " Pastoral Reminis- 
cences' 7 — designed to inculcate lessons that are useful — 
to teach what we are — what we may be — what we ought 
to be — what we should do, suffer, and experience in the 
Christian life. — In reviewing these records of memory, 
I rejoice to find that so much is said of our adorable Re- 



PREFACE. Xlll 

deemer, the fulness of his grace, and the plenteousness 
of his redemption ; that all the duties and blessings of 
religion are represented as centering in him ; that an ex- 
perimental knowledge of his character, and strong faith 
in his righteousness are exhibited as tending to the 
suppression of all ungodliness, the practice of every vir- 
tue, and the possession of the richest privileges. — I am 
more and more convinced that for want of clear views on 
this subject, and unshaken confidence in the Saviour, so 
many are subject to the restraints of religion, and yet 
have few, if any, of its enjoyments ; publicly profess the 
name of Christ, and yet are so little useful to others. 
It must glorify God and benefit men if any are effectual- 
ly persuaded to " look unto Jesus," in every enjoyment, 
every tribulation, every temptation, every defect and in- 
firmity ; to view him continually as the only " way" to 
holiness ; the only " door" to the abodes of bliss. — These 
endeavours will be regarded as happily employed, if they 
throw light upon any dim apprehension, establish any 
wavering faith, or comfort any afflicted conscience. 



o * 



CHAPTER I. 

THE DEVOUT WIDOW. 

il Now, see the saint immortal : her I mean 
Who lived as such ; whose heart, full bent on heaven, 
Leaned all that way, her bias to the stars. 
Observe the awful portrait, and admire ; 
Nor stop at wonder : imitate and live." 

The promises of God to those who are deprived of earthly 
protectors, are peculiarly tender, and are often repeat- 
ed in the pages of inspiration. He sees their helpless 
condition, and glorifies his name in saving them — per- 
ceives that they are in a land where snares encompass 
them, and " guides them by his eye," knows the selfish- 
ness of men, and interposes as the friend of the friend- 
less. There is no burden that oppresses their hearts, 
no regret for the past, no anxious fear for the future, 
which is not met by some soothing word of consolation. 
Sometimes they find themselves sheltered from the 
blasts of adversity ; but if they continue to " eat the 
bread of affliction," and endure severe sorrows, they 
see, by the eye of faith, that their Heavenly Father has 
purposes of mercy in these chastisements ; they testify 
how much sweetness can be enjoyed in the midst of 
trouble, and hence the closeness of their walk with God 
is connected with their sufferings. 

The following narrative relates to one of these children 



16 PASTORAL REMINISCENCES. 

of adversity who kissed the rod that smote her, and 
grew in grace under every stroke. She was led by the 
hand of the Lord ; and led, not in easy and pleasant 
paths, but, for a while, through a rugged and thorny 
wilderness, where her strength must have failed, had 
not His mercy given her support. The faithfulness of 
God in being to her " as the shadow of a great rock in a 
weary land," affords encouragement for steadfast hope 
and earnest prayer to those who are oppressed and heavy 
laden ; while her cheerful obedience to his will presents 
a clear evidence of the inseparable connexion between 
faith and holiness, and of the simplicity of character 
which a real love to Christ transfuses into the soul. 

When in the year 18 — I took charge of the congre- 
gation of N , and was for the first time visiting them, 

accompanied by an elder, he said to me, after we had 
called upon several others, u now we will go and see 

Mrs. F . She is in an humble situation, but is 

very much esteemed by the pious among us, and indeed 
is regarded as one of our best members." We went to 
the cottage which she occupied ; it was small and plain, 
but everything wore the aspect of neatness and order ; it 
seemed a fit residence for piety, peace, and contentment. 
Its inmate I found to be a widow advanced in years, 
with an aspect and address highly pleasing. I was at 
once struck with her countenance, bearing the marks of 
intelligence united with seriousness, and of benevolence 
mingled with devotion. After an introduction, she said 
to me, " I am glad to see you as a pastor whom a kind 
Providence has sent to us ; and we will endeavor to hold 
up your hands by our prayers." We spent a little time 
in general conversation with her — conversation cheerful 



THE DEVOUT WIDOW. 1 

and pleasant, with which religion was easily intermin- 
gled, and then terminated the interview with social 
prayer. 

On my return home, I was not a little affected by the 
review of this visit, and wondered not that she was so 
beloved by the pious ; that she was such a favorite with 
the pastors who had preceded me ; and that, from fur- 
ther inquiries which I made, there were so many testi- 
monials of the peculiar excellencies of her Christian 
character. I thought that she would be a blessing to me 
in my ministry ; a comfort in my sorrows ; a stimulus 
to activity in my labors — all which was realized by my 
further acquaintance with her, and the subsequent events 
that occurred. 

I learned that she was born in a neighbouring county, 
and of respectable family, and was early married to a 
man who, at first industrious and moral, promised to be 
a comfort to her. But like too many others, he at times 
tasted the intoxicating cup, and at last so habitually 
indulged in it, that he became a confirmed inebriate. 
For years she suffered from his neglect and cruelty, and 
at length was left a widow, reduced to utter poverty. 
These afflictions were the means which God seemed to 
employ to bring her to himself. When his chastening 
hand was laid on her ; when that which she was wont to 
esteem the spring of her highest happiness was made the 
source of her severest anguish, she felt the need of more 
than human power to sustain her; she went to the 
Scriptures to learn consolation ; to a throne of grace to 
receive mercy ; and by such means was gradually brought 
to a saving knowledge of the Saviour. 

How many, like her, begin their acquaintance with 



18 PASTORAL REMINISCENCES. 

God and the Redeemer in the season of affliction ! how 
often is it the furnace in which Christ forms the most 
" excellent vessels of honor and praise !" It was not 
until Manasseh was in affliction, that " he humbled him- 
self greatly before the God of his fathers, and prayed to 
him :" it was not until the Prodigal was in affliction 
that he resolved to return unto his Father's house : 
u Behold, I have chosen thee in the furnace of affliction." 

When thus left a widow indeed, she came to the 

borough of N to endeavour to support herself by her 

needle ; there she made a public profession of religion, 
forming one of that little band that constituted an infant 
church which was then organized. In that connexion, 
she had remained until I saw her, viewing many changes, 
passing through the ministry of several pastors, and 
silently and obscurely, yet effectually, doing much to 
promote their usefulness. 

From the time of my first acquaintance until her re- 
moval from the world, scarcely a week passed without 
my visiting her ; an intercourse which I now recal with 
pleasure as a high privilege, when my visits were made, 
not so much to give as to receive instruction, not so much 
to impart as to obtain comfort. 

Such a privilege the pious and devout members of the 
church also enjoyed. The gay and the worldly never 
went to her cottage ; the mere professor of religion, who 
had only " the form of godliness," knew her only as a 
communicant whom they saw at the Lord's table ; but 
the " spiritually minded," those who had " like precious 
faith," and like her had " tasted that the Lord was gra- 
cious," valued her conversation, prized her prayers, and 
highly esteemed her Christian friendship. 



THE DEVOUT WIDOW. 19 

It might seem that such attention from some who were 
superiors to her in worldly prosperity and education, and 
moved in a higher rank of life, would have inflated her 
with self-sufficiency and pride. But nothing of that 
kind was apparent in her conduct — on the contrary, if 
any ever ventured to speak of her attainments in religion, 
they always experienced a decided rebuke ; of her defi- 
ciencies in fulfilling her duty she was deeply sensible ; 
to her Divine Saviour she gave the whole glory of her 
salvation. 

She had a good understanding, which grace had im- 
proved, and had read but few books besides her Bible, 
but that she had studied with diligence and prayer. Es- 
pecially was she taught by the Holy Spirit, and had so 
much experience of the Christian life through a long suc- 
cession of trials and afflictions, that she was well qualified 
to instruct, comfort, and sustain. 

Her piety was in a peculiar manner cheerful; making 
her happy as well as holy. Happiness, we know, arises 
not so much from possessions as from dispositions; not 
so much from what a man has, as from what he is. The 
saint whose character we are contemplating had no "pos- 
sessions" — nothing of what " the world calls good and 
great ;" but she had eminently a Christian disposition, 
and that was the source of much solid and rational hap- 
piness. By subduing all envy, discontent, and selfish- 
ness, and assiduously fe cultivating the graces of the Spirit, 
she found springs of pleasure opened in herself — she 
learned that happiness was connected with a moral tem- 
per, and not to be sought for so much by any thing with- 
out. She allured others to piety by showing that its 
path is the path of peace ; by taking pleasure in all that 



20 PASTORAL REMINISCENCES. 

is innocently pleasant ; by enjoying whatever is purely 
delightful ; by the habitual exercise of contentment with 
her lot. She used to say, " we talk sometimes of the 
greatest evils that may come on us, and enquire, what 
are the severest that may befal us ; but I think that the 
very greatest affliction that could be sent, is to be given 
up to a murmuring spirit ; that will make one wretched 
in the midst of the greatest abundance. It is a reason 
why we should guard against a complaining and discon- 
tented disposition ; why we should strive as much to be 
cheerful as to be watchful and prayerful. God designs 
us to be happy, and cannot approve of any thing but what 
has a tendency to make us so." 

Such being her uniform disposition and conduct, it is 
to be expected that she had, in a high degree, trust and 
confidence in God. She had found him in her severest 
troubles her refuge and strength, and she was sure that 
he would be so in time to come. She used to say, " God 
never takes any thing from his people, but he gives them 
something better instead of it : he has kindly taken many 
things from me, and has given me himself, infinitely bet- 
ter than all worldly prosperity." The sense which she 
had of God's covenant and perfections was such as led 
her implicitly to trust in him for all that she wanted ; 
she seemed, in the exercise of a firm faith, to give up all 
her concerns into his hand ; to see him in every thing, to 
find him in her heart, and to have no design in the world 
but of living to his will, and no expectation of enjoyment 
but in communion with him. 

Her views of Jesus Christ were clear and distinct; her 
faith strong and appropriate ; her reliance upon him en. ■ 
tire and undivided. This was a frequent topic of her 



THE DEVOUT WIDOW. 21 

conversation ; she often said that if Christians "were to 
think more of Christ, trust more to him, make more men- 
tion of him in prayer, and study more diligently his 
words, " No man cometh unto the Father but by me," 
they would make greater attainments in piety. To con- 
sider him as dying in her stead; to regard his righteous- 
ness as her righteousness, afforded her the highest delight. 
Such views of the plan of salvation, such determination 
to know nothing, to desire nothing, to depend on nothing 
but " Jesus Christ and him crucified," gave her soul 
peace, and animated her in the service of her Lord and 
Master. 

With such apprehension of the Saviour, it is not won- 
derful that she enjoyed uniform assurance. I once ven- 
tured to ask her experience. on this subject, and enquired 
whether she habitually enjoyed this privilege. She re- 
plied to me at some length. " Some years ago, I suf- 
fered much from doubts and fears. On one occasion, I 
was for days under the most distressing darkness ; my 
hope of salvation departed ; I was persuaded that I had 
deceived myself; I had only an awful sense of my sins 
and no views of God's mercy or Christ's grace ; I prayed 
and wept, searched the Scripture, and meditated on its 
contents, but all in vain ; in the day I was sorrowful, at 
night I wet my couch with tears, and was ready to de- 
spair, and to give up all expectation of ever being saved. 
One morning, after a night of restlessness and anguish, 
I went to the Scripture, and during the reading of the 
fourteenth chapter of John, light broke into my mind, 
and dissipated all my darkness ; my doubts vanished, 
and under a lively apprehension of the character of 
Christ, I had peace and joy in believing. You may sup- 



22 PASTORAL REMINISCENCES. 

pose that that is to me a precious part of the word of 
God ; and I wish, my pastor, if you are called to preach 
my funeral sermon, to take as your text the second and 
third verses of that chapter : i In my Father's house are 
many mansions ; if it were not so, I would have told 
you.' That memorable period I often look back upon 
as the time when the Lord c brought me up out of an 
horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon 
a rock, and established my goings, and hath put a new 
song in my mouth, even praise unto our God;' and 
ever since I have been freed from spiritual darkness and 
perplexing fears. 'Tis true, I have had seasons of doubt 
and uncertainty, temptations to which all God's people 
are at times subject, but they have continued only for 
a short time ; uniform assurance has for many years 
been the experience of my soul, liable, I confess, to occa- 
sional assaults both of outward temptations and inward 
corruptions. But this assurance is derived from the ex- 
ercise of strong faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, who has 
fulfilled righteousness in my stead, and purchased for 
my soul reconciliation and grace ; who is my treasure, 
which I appropriate for my use, and by which I am en- 
riched ; the balm of Gilead which I apply for the recov- 
ery of my soul, and by which I am healed ; the living 
waters to which I come to refresh my spirits and quench 
my thirst for holiness and happiness ; the garment which 
I put on, and wear to cover my destitution, and beautify 
my deformity. When I look to myself, I can have no 
assurance ; a view of my defective services, inward cor- 
ruptions, and languid graces gives no confident hope ; it 
is only when I look off from myself to Christ, that I can 
have any persuasion of God's present favour, or my own 



THE DEVOUT WIDOW. 23 

final happiness. It was, I think, to drive me entirely 
from myself that God permitted that horrible darkness 
to which I have alluded ; to lead me for ever to renounce 
all dependence upon my feelings, my knowledge, or my 
duties. And it was by the Holy Spirit bringing Christ 
and his righteousness nigh to me, in his precious promises, 
that my darkness was removed. I can now say, Christ 
has given himself as my covenant surety ; I take him at 
his word, and therefore he and all his merits are mine ; 
I appropriate him to myself as my high-priest, my pro- 
phet, and my king. To do this constantly ; to be per- 
suaded that he bought me with his blood ; that he is my 
God, and will exert all his perfections for my good — this, 
as far as my experience testifies, is the direct, the com- 
pendious, the certain method of obtaining assurance: 
any other must necessarily be feeble, and liable to be 
unsettled by daily temptation, or destroyed by the rising 
of indwelling sin." 

After this interview, I left her comforted and bene- 
fitted ; resolved to think more of Christ for my own en- 
couragement, and to preach him more for the benefit of 
others. How true it is that " the just," the righteous 
in Christ Jesus, " live," thrive in comfort, and flourish 
in holiness, not by reflecting on their own sanctification, 
on viewing their own attainments, but " by faith ;" a 
fresh, repeated, daily, never-ceasing exercise of faith 
upon the Son of God. This is the most effectual way of 
feeding the lamp of piety, and quickening the flame of 
holiness. 

Love for the cause of Christ , a desire to promote its 
interests, and an anxious concern for the salvation of 
others, were conspicuously exhibited in her whose char- 



24 PASTORAL REMINISCENCES. 

acter we are considering. Those who often visited her 
can testify how much she was interested in the prosperi- 
ty of the church to which she belonged ; what stress she 
laid upon Christian fellowship ; how she endeavoured to 
promote it among the members ; how she aided her pas- 
tor in his efforts to do good ; and how she daily employed 
every means in her power for the salvation of others. I 
may say, without exaggeration, that she was always do- 
ing something to raise the piety of others, and to fan the 
flame of their divine love ; that, lively and active in her 
religion, she was insensibly a blessing to the little circle 
in which she moved ; that by her prayers and conversa- 
tion she kept up a spiritual atmosphere around her, and 
made it genial and reviving. In her endeavours for the 
conversion of her unrenewed friends, she was judicious, 
and in many cases successful ; with some she could use 
no other means but the silent influence of her holy exam- 
ple ; others she could instruct, admonish, and warn ; but 
always did it with discretion, choosing the best time, and 
the best circumstances, employing the meekness of wis- 
dom and the tenderness of love. Several, who under 
my ministry joined the church, were indebted, under 
God, to this " mother of Israel" for their first religious 
impressions. Some of her immediate neighbours enjoyed, 
in a high degree, the influence of her example and her 
prayers. They had been most kind in u ministering to 
her in carnal things ;" and she, with overflowing grati- 
tude, abundantly " ministered to them in spiritual 
things ;" and so lovingly and prayerfully insinuated re- 
ligion into their minds, that they were scarcely aware of 
it. They survived her for some years to show by their 
piety the influence which such intercourse had pro- 



THE DEVOUT WIDOW. 25 

duced, and dying in faith, rejoined her in the mansions 
of peace. 

A devotional spirit was possessed, in an eminent de- 
gree, by our pious friend. Considering what firm belief 
she had in the providence of God, what a deep sense of 
her entire dependence on him, what a strong conviction 
that all her " springs were in him," it was to be expect- 
ed that she would often say with David, " On thee do I 
wait all the day." Considering what spiritual minded- 
ness was observed in her, what a strong and constant 
bias she had towards Divine things, it was to be expected 
that she would be often with God, glancing towards him 
in a way of devotion, bespeaking his presence, calling 
for his help, begging the pity of his eye, imploring the 
relief of his hand, and petitioning for the pardon of her 
sins, and grace to sanctify and govern her heart. With 
those exalted views which she had of Christ, of which I 
have already spoken, it is not strange that she should 
have had a holy freedom and " boldness of access" to 
God through the Redeemer : that to the humility of the 
sinner she should have joined the liberty of the child ; 
that to her Heavenly Parent she should have told all her 
desires freely and fully ; and that such devotion should 
have heightened every enjoyment, mitigated every trial, 
given peace within, and spread cheerfulness and happi- 
ness without. Her prayers, I have reason to know, were 
often fervent, poured forth with that earnestness of spirit 
which well became the immensely rich blessings which 
she asked. I shall never forget the manner in which she 
once expressed it. At a time when the Spirit of God 
was poured out, and when an unusual number of persons 
joined the church, she was prevented by sickness from 



26 PASTORAL REMINISCENCES. 

coming to the communion ; when I visited her on Mon- 
day, and described the scene, she said : "So young Mr. 
was among the number. ! I have been work- 
ing" (probably having in view the apostle's expression, 
" always labouring in prayers") — " I have been working 
and working for that young man at a throne of grace for 
weeks, and months, and years ; and blessed be God, my 
prayers are now answered." An instance of persever- 
ance in prayer, well worthy of imitation. How much 
was I encouraged in all my duties, to know that one who 
had such " power with God," was daily pleading for me^ 
and endeavouring to lead other Christians not to forget at 
the mercy-seat him " who had the rule over them." 

For nearly four years I had the privilege of such inter- 
course with this devout believer, and of admiring that 
consistency of Christian character, which shone so 
brightly. At the end of that time, I had also the privi- 
lege to contemplate the termination of her profession on 
earth, and to see her " finishing her course with joy." 

Though it is not the privilege of all God's children to 
enjoy large foretastes of glory in their last hours ; 
though some have even departed under clouds of dark- 
ness and terror, yet generally those who live consistently, 
die comfortably. The lukewarm and irregular — those 
who suffer their graces to wither, who are too much 
attached to the world, who are not watchful and 
diligent, are generally left to disquietude and pertur- 
bation. But the believer who adorned his profes- 
sion in life, usually enjoys peculiar supports when 
about leaving the world. It was so with her whose 
character we are considering ; she who spent her days 
in faith and prayer, ended them in peace and comfort . 



THE DEVOUT WIDOW. 27 

She was permitted to depart gradually, by a lingering 
decline; and thus had the opportunity of testing the 
value of her principles, and of showing her friends how 
a sincere, consistent, and exemplary Christian can die. 
In referring to the notes which were taken of her con- 
duct and her expressions, I find that scarcely any thing 
can exceed the confidence, composure, serenity, and ten- 
derness that appeared in all that she did and said. 
I cannot refrain from presenting some of her expressions, 
as exhibiting a glorious evidence of the reality of reli- 
gion, and of the in working of the mighty power of God. 

When she was confined to her bed by sickness, and 
when it was uncertain how it would terminate, she ex- 
pressed the most perfect willingness to leave the event 
entirely with God. Neither elated by hope, nor de- 
pressed by fear, she expressed a contentment to live, or 
a willingness to die, just as it seemed good in His sight. 
" He knows what is best for me ; and after we have 
used all necessary means, we will leave the event to 
Him ; He will in this do right ; He will act wisely and 
kindly, and I must not, will not, be afraid." 

As her sickness increased, my own visits and those of 
her pious friends were more frequent ; and it was truly 
delightful to see the consolations with which she was 
favoured. When the word of God was read, his praises 
sung, and Christ made the theme of conversation, her 
countenance would change in a moment, however lan- 
guishing she might be with weakness or racked with 
pain, from the expression of great suffering to a smile 
that seemed like a ray of the heavenly glory. All saw 
in her, patience under suffering, acquiescence in the 
Divine will, humbleness of mind, penitence at the foot of 



28 PASTORAL REMINISCENCES. 

the cross, and firm faith in the grace and atonement of 
the Redeemer. 

When the physician expressed the opinion that her 
disease was beyond the power of medicine, and that 
she could not recover, I was deputed to communicate to 
her the intelligence ? and though the office is often pain- 
ful, yet, on this occasion, so far as the effect to be pro- 
duced was considered, it was performed without reluc- 
tance. When it was told her, nature for a moment 
shuddered and shrunk back, but the perturbation was 
only momentary ; soon recovering her calm and placid 
countenance, she said, "It is all well ; the will of the 
Lord be done ; I must now set my house in order ; you 
know, my dear pastor, the text on which I wish my 
funeral sermon to be preached ; that is all the direction 
which I need give you." After committing her to God 
in prayer as one who could not long remain upon earth, 
I left her, not however to the influence of fear, but to 
that of great tranquillity in view of her departure ; to a 
calm composure, arising from an entire willingness to 
commit her spirit into the hands of the Redeemer. — She 
lived many days after this, retaining her speech and 
reason, and giving satisfactory evidence that God, listen- 
ing to her breathings and cry, had drawn very near to 
her, and was a peculiar " help in time of trouble." 

In view of the past, her sense of the Divine mercies 
was strong, and her feelings of gratitude ardent. " Truly 
goodness and mercy have followed me all my days ; how 
can I sufficiently adore God for his blessings 1 He has 
led me on step by step through the wilderness ; he has 
brought me to the gates of death ; and now he will not leave 
me j he will be my companion through the dark valley." 



THE DEVOUT WIDOW. 29 

Amidst sufferings the most awful, she would be not 
merely resigned, but so cheerful as to say that she could, 
if God were to help her, bear even more ; that his sup- 
porting grace was wonderful, passing all expression. — I 
often asked her if she had any doubts of her acceptance, 
or any fears of the future 1 She would reply : u when 
I look at the deficiences of my life, or my corruption 
within, I am indeed distressed ; but when I look to Christ 
as I should do, as I try to do, continually, I have no 
clouds nor fears. I know that my Redeemer liveth"- — 
with that appropriating faith which she loved to exercise 
in life, she would repeat, " my Redeemer — mine — mine." 
But that which most affected me, and which I have 
never seen equalled in the most triumphant death of 
the departing saint, was the spirit of devotion which she 
possessed and made known. For several days before 
her departure, she used, when I prayed with her, to 
continue the prayer, evidently without knowing that she 
was speaking aloud, or that she could be heard by others. 
And oh ! what prayers ! what holy thirstings after 
the presence of God ! what ardent desires for perfect 
conformity to his will ! what frequent mention of the 
name of Christ and of his righteousness as her right- 
eousness ! How her heart was penetrated with devotion, 
and holy confidence, and faith ! How near she drew to 
God by the full assurance of the blood of her Redeemer ; 
and how much of his spirit did she imbibe with whom 
she was so familiar ; whom she so pre-eminently revered 
and loved ! Sometimes the prayer was all thanksgiving 
for mercies— sometimes the mingling of humble confes- 
sion with fervent petition — often it was forgetfulness of 
herself, and entire intercession for others— for her pastor 



30 PASTORAL REMINISCENCES. 

and his family — for her friends who had been kind to 
her, and whom she mentioned by name — for the church 
of which she was a member — for the cause of Christ in 
general. We felt, after hearing such prayers, that we 
were treading on holy ground ; that the chamber of 
sickness was " none other than the gate of heaven ;" 
that God was specially near to her, making his grace, 
amidst the decays of nature, most illustrious and trium- 
phant ; that her Saviour, who had granted her comfort 
under many troubles of life, had reserved the strongest 
and sweetest for the sorrows of death. 

" Oh ! true and fervent are the prayers that breathe 
Forth from a lip that fades with coming death." 

On the Saturday before her death, I visited her twice, 
as it was expected that she would depart on that day. 
I found her, though weak, able to converse a little, and 
to show that the nearer she came to death, the less 
gloomy was its effect ; that the more closely she ap- 
proached the world of glory, the more she was brought 
under its influence and impressions. I said to her, 
" to-morrow is the Sabbath; would it not be delightful 
to go home then ? Would you not wish to depart on 
the Lord's day to the Lord's house above V She whis- 
pered, u I have no wish ; let God take me in his own 
time. Do you think that I would dictate to him ? I 
never did it in health, and shall I do it now, when I am 
almost gone ? Father, thy will be done — thy time — thy 
manner — thy way. Pray for me ; pray that God would 
not leave me for a single moment." — It was the last 
interview which I had with her ; the next day her body 



THE DEVOUT WIDOW. 31 

" slept in Jesus," and her soul went to the joy of her 
Lord. 

The funeral took place in the church, no private house 
being sufficient to accommodate the people. The num- 
ber that attended was great ; and they were almost with- 
out exception those of a devout and spiritual character — 
not merely the members of her own church, but Chris- 
tians also of other denominations, who had been often 
benefitted by her example, conversation, and prayers, and 
who now wished to pay the last respect to her remains. 
The words which she herself had selected were the sub- 
ject of the discourse ; "in my Father's house are many 
mansions ; if it were not so I would have told you. I go to 
prepare a place for you. And if I go to prepare a place 
for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; 
that where I am, there ye may be also ;" words pecu- 
liarly appropriate for such an occasion; leading us to 
consider the condition of her who was taken from us ; to 
reflect upon her spirit enjoying one of those mansions that 
was prepared for her ; possessing perfect purity, com- 
plete knowledge, freedom from sorrow, the society of 
angels, and, above all, the enjoyment of the vision and 
likeness of God and the Redeemer. Considering how 
Christ had peculiarly honoured her, and how useful she 
had been in the station she had occupied, it would have 
been ungrateful to suffer her to drop into the dust with- 
out notice ; her religious character was delineated ; the 
circumstances of her death recounted ; and she herself 
presented for the imitation of others, so far a-s she imi- 
tated Christ. 

It was a season of solemnity and melting tenderness, 
when the church, though called to mourn, was encour- 



32 PASTORAL REMINISCENCES. 

aged and animated by the contemplation of one who, by 
her living labours and dying experience, had brought 
much glory to Christ. 

When the service in the church was over, " devout 
persons," as was said of Stephen, " carried her to her 
burial;" and when the body was committed to the dust, 
sung the beautiful and appropriate hymn :• 

" Why do we mourn departed friends. 
Or shake at death's alarms ; 
Tis but the voice that Jesus sends, 
To call them to his arms." 

A head-stone marks the spot where the body of this 
saint reposes, with the following inscription, illustrative 
of her character and end. 

IN HOPE OF A JOYFUL RESURRECTION, 

THE BODY 

Of 

MRS. A F , 

WHO DEPARTED THIS LIFE IN THE TRIUMPHS OF FAITH, 

March 29, 18 — , aged 63 years. 
" She walked with God, and is not, for God took herT 

Those of her friends who still live, no doubt at times 
visit this humble grave, lying in a retired part of the 
cemetery ; a position expressive of her meekness and 
humility ; - and while bending over the sacred dust, and 
recalling her holy life and happy death, breathe out the 
prayer, " let me die the death of the righteous ; let my 
last end be like hers." 



THE DEVOUT WIDOW. 

" There does the morn her earliest tears bestow, 
There the first roses of the year do blow, 
And angels, with their silver wings, o'ershade 
The spot now sacred by her relics made." 

The veil of separation is drawn for a season ; she has 
departed, and no more will converse with us here : but 
she will be seen at the right hand of the Redeemer, when 
he comes to gather in his people ; and will appear to 
his glory, a bright trophy of his rich grace. 

This narrative suggests some useful instructions. 

1. It teaches what a privilege it is to a church to 
have an eminently pious member like her whose life and 
death we have contemplated ; one who walks with* God, 
lives by faith, delights in prayer, enjoys the communion 
of saints, and seeks in every way to be useful. What 
encouragement does even one such give to the pastor ; 
what strength to the weak, what comfort to the afflicted, 
what credit and reputation to the church, what new life 
to many that are " dead in trespasses and in sins." Such 
influence is felt, even though the subject of such piety be 
in obscure and humble circumstances ; for among the 
poor we often view religion in its purest form ; see the 
image of Christ visibly impressed upon the heart ; be- 
hold a sincerity and simplicity of Christian character, 
unincumbered by those hinderances to spirituality which 
are too frequently in the way of those who live in ease, 
and walk in the higher ranks of life. Do we not among 
them learn the most valuable lessons of resignation and 
faith, and see the most striking demonstrations of the 
wisdom, power, and grace of God 1 They may some- 
times be confined for months and years to the bed of 
languishment, and be deprived of the enjoyment of the 



84 PASTORAL REMINISCENCES, 

public means of grace ; and yet in the vale of obscurity 
and poverty, be most useful by the prayers which they 
offer for their fellow Christians, and by the example 
which they exhibit of submission and meekness, content- 
ment and joy. Often have I seen such cheerfully acqui- 
escing in all that the Lord has done, acknowledging that 
it is good and right, and envying none their honours and 
riches ; delighting themselves in God, reposing on the 
covenant of grace, exulting in the assurance of eternal 
glory, " drawing water out of the wells of salvation," and 
rendering the dark scene of penury and sorrow the means 
of displaying the beauties of the " sun of righteousness." 
How much is God glorified by this spirit, and saints ben- 
efitted by such a sight ! — " I have left in the midst of 
thee a poor and an afflicted people, and they shall trust 
in the name of the Lord." Yes ! God has left them in 
the midst of us, as the objects of his special attention ; 
Christ marks manv of them as his own ; he honoured 
poverty when he came into our world, grew up amidst 
its privations, drank its bitter cup, chose his apostles 
from those who had experienced its sorrows, and gath- 
ered his first followers from its sons and daughters ; and 
when he adds to it his " unsearchable riches," and the 
promise of an "incorruptible inheritance," he strips it 
of its terrors, and invests it with a kind of endearing 
honour. — " Hath not God chosen the poor of this world 
rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom of heaven?" — 
" O ! God, thou hast prepared thy goodness for the 
poor." 

2. In considering the Christian character of her who 
is presented to us in this narrative, we see the practica- 
bility and necessity of high attainments in piety. 



THE DEVOUT WIDOW 35 

We know that religion exists in various degrees, and 
that, according to the metaphors employed in Scripture, 
there is the "bud" and the "fruit;" the glimmering 
" spark," and the full " blaze ;" the " babe in Christ," 
and the "full-grown man." But though all be not 
equally sanctified, yet all are bound to attain the high- 
est religion of which their nature is capable. The sub- 
ject of this narrative, we have seen, attained this emi- 
nent piety ; she seemed to combine in her character all 
the Christian excellencies ; to blend the dispositions which 
prepared her for heaven with those that fitted her for 
usefulness on earth ; to exhibit the highest spirituality 
united with the purest moral virtue. — Let us, professors 
of religion, be "followers of those who through faith and 
patience have inherited the promises." If we would be 
happy and useful, let us seek after a higher degree of per- 
sonal religion ; let us pursue it with earnestness, dili- 
gence, and solicitude ; let us resist the destructive influ- 
ence of the world in every form ; let us mortify all sin 
in the heart, and struggle after inward purity ; let us be 
constrained by the love of Christ to be conformed to his 
example, and to have " fellowship with him in his suffer- 
ings." — " To be carnally-minded is death, but to be 
spiritually -minded is life and peace." 

3. How desirable is a happy and triumphant death. 
Such a death she experienced whose character we have 
been contemplating. I know that it is not the privilege 
of all the children of God to enjoy so large a share of 
heaven upon earth as did this dear saint ; to have such 
gleams of Divine glory to irradiate for them the dark 
valley ; yet it should be desired and sought by us all. 
We should wish not only to live -her holy life, but also 



86 PASTORAL REMINISCENCES, 

to die her happy death. When we consider how such 
a departure from earth glorifies God, brings honour to the 
Redeemer, credit to religion, and good to immortal souls ; 
how it edifies the church, increases the faith of believers, 
impresses and awakens careless sinners, it should not be 
a subject of indifference whether our sun set in clouds or 
in brightness ; it should be the object of our holy ambi- 
tion to " finish our course with joy." How much benefit 
has been derived from the relation given of those whose 
dying experience corresponded with their living holiness, 
who, standing on the verge of heaven, exhibited some 
of the spirit of the glorified saints ! How much good has 
been done by the perusal of the " closing hours of Pres- 
ident Finley" — the last expressions of Toplady and Pay- 
son — the " Dying Thoughts of Richard Baxter;" and 
the experience of hundreds since, who had bright mani- 
festations of God's presence in their passage to the tomb ! 
Consistent and eminent piety in life is the' most likely 
way of attaining peace and comfort in death ; to " die 
daily," like the apostle, is the best means to be able, 
when death comes, as he did, to say, " I am now ready 
to be offered up, and the time of my departure is at hand. 
I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I 
have kept the faith ; henceforth there is laid up for me 
a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous 
judge, shall give me at that day«" 



THE SCOTTISH SEAMAN. 37 



CHAPTER II. 

THE SCOTTISH SEAMAN. 

!< I love the sailor ; — his eventful life — 

His generous spirit — his contempt of danger — 
His firmness in the gale, the wreck, and strife ; 

And, though a wild and reckless ocean-ranger, 
God grant he make that port, when life is o'er, 
Where storms are hush'd, and billows break no more." 

Nearly eighteen hundred years were suffered to pass 
away before any effectual means were employed for the 
religious improvement of seamen. There was no good 
reason why they should have been so long neglected* 
They were not overlooked by the Redeemer; on the 
shores of Tiberias, he often wandered to gather the 
straying seamen to his arms ; and from the watermen of 
the lake he selected the chief ministers of his kingdom, 
who, faithful to the trust reposed in them, endured all 
manner of hardships, and even sacrificed their lives for 
the extension of the gospel. Nothing but unbelief, look- 
ing at the difficulties attending their salvation, caused 
Christians thus to neglect them, and to suppose that 
there were almost impossibilities in the way of their con- 
version. These difficulties were indeed great. Whether 
this class of men were at sea or on shore, they were sur- 
rounded by a mass of corruption and sin which led them 
to lose sight of all moral obligation— at sea they had no 
3* 



38 PASTORAL REMINISCENCES. 

Sabbath nor Divine worship ; nothing but what was cal- 
culated to demoralize their feelings, vitiate their habits, 
and to estrange them from God. On shore, that distinc- 
tion of manner and dress which characterized them, kept 
them from the house of God and the public means of 
grace ; temptations to vice everywhere presented them- 
selves in forms adapted to their inclinations and habits ; 
and no counsellor was at hand to interpose a word of 
caution and advice. Is it surprising that in such cir- 
cumstances, so great a part of them were vicious, and 
almost sunk in the depths of ignorance and sin? But 
it is surprising that for so long a time they suffered 
from the neglect of the Christian community ; and that 
no special pledge of mercy for them was sought for and 
found. While almost every other object on which 
Christian beneficence could expend its power was eagerly 
embraced, they, as if by common consent, were neglected 
and forgotten, and, as the consequence of this neglect, 
seemed utterly incorrigible. Possessed of immortality, 
and under the awful responsibility which is connected 
with it, they were ignorant almost of the fact that they 
had a soul ; they possessed no book of God to enlighten 
them, no sanctuary to receive and instruct them, no 
friendly voice to warn them of their danger, no kind 
messenger to invite them to the Lamb of God ; contin- 
ually wafted from the shore of one land to another, they 
enjoyed the blessings of no country ; exposed to death 
in its most appalling forms, they were entirely regard- 
less of that Almighty Being who " holds the winds in 
his hand," and deplorably ignorant of his will, who 
" speaketh to them from heaven." 

But brighter scenes at last arose. At the beginning 



THE SCOTTISH SEAMAN. 39 

of tills century, Christians awoke to their duty ; they 
began to feel what they owe to these dying sinners ; 
shed tears over their misery, extended their hand to 
pluck them from the gulf of destruction, and directed 
them to that haven, where storms are for ever over, and 
where the weary find eternal rest. The interest thus 
commenced advanced with wonderful rapidity ; it was 
truly gratifying to see with what zeal the subject was 
taken hold of by Christians in every part of the world ; 
and with what success the eifort was attended. The 
Scriptures liberally diffused, are now received by seamen 
with grateful feeling ; and few vessels leave port without 
copies of the word of God. Religious tracts are abun- 
dantly distributed ; these winged messengers find their 
way to the hammock, and in an unlooked-for hour often 
reach the heart of the sailor. In many ports bethel 
meetings are held) and mariners' chapels erected. On 
the deck of many a ship, praises to God are sung, where 
formerly little was heard but horrid imprecations ; sai- 
lor's boarding-houses, which were once dens of sin and 
blasphemy, have, by the grace of God, become houses 
of prayer. Many captains and mates, and no<5 a few 
common sailors, have experienced the pardoning grace 
of the Redeemer, and are "the first fruits" of that 
" abundance of the sea that shall be converted unto 
God." 

One of these converted seamen is the subject of this 
narrative, a bright trophy of the rich grace of God. 

The event which I am about to relate look place at a 
time when unusual solemnity prevailed izi the congrega- 
tion over which I presided ; when an impression not to be 
mistaken was made by the preaching of the Word, silent- 



40 PASTORAL REMINISCENCES. 

ly affecting many hearts. It was usual, when any num- 
ber were supposed to be the subjects of the Spirit's 
awakening influences, to have what is termed a " meet- 
ing of inquiry" at my house, where such could assemble 
by themselves, and by familiar conversation receive coun- 
sel and direction. Such a meeting was announced every 
Sabbath, and all who were roused from their natural 
thoughtlessness, who were impressed more or less on the 
subject of religion, who were in any degree convicted of 
sin, or desirous of salvation, were invited to attend. As 
a church we derived much spiritual benefit from these 
meetings ; they tended to give the pastor a knowledge of 
the numbers of those thus awakened ; to deepen their im- 
pressions of Divine truth ; to keep them from returning 
to their former carelessness ; to preserve them from de- 
spair under the burden of their guilt, and to impart 
instruction in the way of salvation in a manner suited to 
their capacity, and applicable to each particular case. 

It may be a question whether it is not desirable that 
such a meeting should be constantly held in congrega- 
tions of any size, and announced on the Sabbath. This 
was the custom of the excellent Payson during the greater 
part of his ministerial life, and he attested that u it was 
exceedingly useful ; the number of inquirers has often 
been very small, but we have always had some, and the 
number lias increased or diminished as the church has 
been more or less engaged in prayer." Would it not 
have a hajpy influence upon the pastor, preserve his_ 
spirituality, strengthen his faith, and lead him to expect 
great and daiiy results from his daily labours ? Would 
jt not have a happy influence upon the church, quicken 
their devotion, inspire them with gratitude and faith if 



THE SCOTTISH SEAMAN. 41 

many attended, or with humiliation if the meeting de- 
clined ? Might it not, if properly conducted, be the 
means of a perpetual revival of that continued prosper- 
ity in the church which is far better than a temporary 
excitement, succeeded by a season of spiritual coldness 
and languor ? 

Such a meeting Matthew Henry seems to have had 
once a week, though confined to the young, in which there 
was usually u a competent number who manifested symp- 
toms of thoughtfulness ;" he " conversed with them on 
their everlasting interests ; explained the nature of the 
covenant of grace, of which their baptism was the seal ; 
illustrated the design of the Lord's Supper, and exhorted 
them to come to the Lord Jesus ; in which labour of love 
he was remarkably successful." Such a meeting Baxter 
seems to have maintained regularly while he was at 
Kidderminster ; some were always impressed by his 
preaching and concerned for their salvation whom he 
met once a week for Christian conversation ; "or if 
through ignorance or bashfulness they could make no 
answers, it was all turned into instruction and exhorta- 
tion." May not this, with the other means which he 
used with so much simplicity and intense ardour, have 
tended to that continued outpouring of the Spirit which 
was there enjoyed ; that lively state of religion which 
was maintained without the intermission of apathy and 
inactivity ; a state, during which he could say that in a 
church of six hundred communicants, there were only 
twelve of whose piety he had any reason to doubt. 

It was while attending such a meeting that I became 
acquainted with Captain R. Among others who for the 
first time had come there, I perceived a man between 



42 PASTORAL REMINISCENCES. 

forty and fifty years of age, whom, from his complexion 
and dress, I recognized to be a seaman ; he had listened 
attentively to the conversation around him, and exhibited 
much thought and feeling. Approaching him, I said : 
" My friend, you are a stranger here ; do you know the 
nature of this meeting?" 

" Yes, sir ; I was at your church last Sunday and 
heard you preach, and when you announced this meeting, 
and invited all to come who were concerned for their 
souls, awakened to the importance of religion, and con- 
vinced that they were sinners, I thought that I belonged 
to that number. And when you urged such to come, 
telling them that you would be pleased to give them 
counsel and direction, that their attendance might 
strengthen their impressions, and prevent them from 
losing their convictions ; and when you asked the mem- 
bers of the church to pray for such as might attend, I 
determined to go, and I am here this evening to tell you 
my desires and feelings." 

Finding him modest and retiring, I drew him out by 
repeated inquiries. " In what capacity are you as a 
seaman, and what brought you to this port V 9 

" I am master of a ship that was driven here last 
week. We suffered everything but death on the coast 
during the late storm ; lost all our rigging, and at last 
our rudder, and were sure that we should perish. After 
we had given up, saw our graves in the deep waters be- 
fore us, and knew that we were not prepared for death, 
we began to pray, as well as we could, with all our 
might ; and God saved us from destruction, and enabled 
us to reach this place, with the ship and our bodies al- 
most torn to pieces." 



THE SCOTTISH SEAMAN. 43 

u What ! do you think that God hears the prayers of 
the wicked V 9 

" Yes ; he heard our prayers — none but he could have 
saved us— he loves the poor sailors, wicked as they are." 

" The Psalmist describes your condition : ' Then they 
cry unto the Lord in their troubles' " — he immediately 
added, " and bringeth them out of their distresses." 

" Have you never before been in danger, and prayed 
to God to save you V ? 

" Yes, very often ; and I am ashamed to think how 
ungrateful I have been to the Preserver of my life, and 
how frequently I have broken the most solemn promises. 
But I am different now from what I ever was before. 
We had scarcely got into port before the sailors who 
had prayed so much became as wicked as ever, and even 
the mate, who promised as much, and cried to Heaven 
as earnestly as I did, soon lost all remembrance of God's 
mercies, and his own vows ; but my impressions, through 
Divine grace, have continued and increased. W T hile en- 
gaged in work during the day, I am sad, and all suppose 
that it is owing to my losses, but it is caused by the re- 
membrance of my sins, and my desire for pardon. I am 
glad when night comes ; for then I can read a portion of 
Scripture, and pray to God for mercy." 

" But what led you to go to church on the Sabbath." 

" It was to learn whether there was any hope for me, 
a poor miserable sinner. I heard that there was such a 
church here, and that you were the minister ; I had not 
listened to preaching for many, many years ; God in- 
clined me to go, and made that meeting, and I hope will 
make this, a blessing to my soul." 

" You then feel yourself to be a sinner." 



44 PASTORAL REMINISCENCES. 

"I have long known it, but have never felt it so keenly 
as I do now ; what I once regarded as trivial offences, I 
now see to be shocking crimes ; I feel that my heart is 
wicked, and that all my actions are but streams from the 
corrupt fountain within ; I have sinned against so many 
privileges that I am deeply sensible that I am a miser- 
able creature and guilty criminal ; that I am the chief 
of sinners." 

" Do you deserve, then, to perish ?" 

" I cannot question it for a moment ; if God should 
repulse and eternally destroy me, I dare not object, for 
I have no claim upon him ; if I were never to taste of 
his mercy, I feel that I must acquit him of all severity ; 
and that I am just as worthy of eternal death now, under 
conviction of sin, as I was in the depth of my carnal se- 
curity." 

I was gratified, and yet surprised at the manner in 
which he expressed himself on these subjects ; and at the 
same time fully convinced that the impression of Divine 
truth upon his mind w T as strong, his sense of sin great, 
and his desire after salvation sincere and ardent. It 
would have been pleasant to ask him more questions, but 
the time would not permit. I therefore urged him to 
rely on the Lord Jesus, to turn his eye from his guilt to 
the cross, to view the richness, preciousness, and freeness 
of the gospel, and to believe that its declarations contain 
a sufficient warrant for the vilest sinner, in the most des- 
perate circumstances, to look to Christ for relief. 

At all our meetings during the remainder of the week, 

"and on the following Sabbath, he was present, evincing 

marked attention, drinking in with eagerness the word of 

life, and receiving, with deep interest, the consolation 



THE SCOTTISH SEAMAN. 45 

and instruction imparted to the convicted. At the next 
" meeting of inquiry," he was one of the first that was 
present, anxiously waiting to be instructed in the way of 
salvation. From what I had seen of him, I was persuad- 
ed that he was a man of good natural powers, much 
acuteness, and considerable knowledge of Scripture. 
Leaving the officers of the church to attend to the other 
inquirers, I determined to devote the evening to him, 
and at the same time to give to others who were sitting 
around an opportunity to listen to our conversation. 
Approaching, I asked the state of his mind. 

" Since I was here the last week, I have conversed 
with no one on the subject of religion, but my Bible and 
my God. But one thing affects me, and makes me feel 
that I need more pungent convictions ; I am distressed 
that I have no more fear of eternal perdition ; I have 
really less dread of it, than I had during the storm, when 
I thought that I was perishing." 

" But you believe that you are under the curse of the 
law 1 ?" 

" I do ; I feel that the law is holy, and the curse aw- 
ful ; but I do not dread it and tremble at it as I ought." 

" Do not be concerned on this account ; deep distress 
arising from the fear of hell is not absolutely necessary 
to secure peace with God. It is indeed often felt by the 
awakened sinner ; but it is no part of what is required, 
but rather a part of what is inflicted; proceeding from 
the curse of the law rather than from its precept. It is 
better to say from the heart, - I have sinned, 5 than to 
exclaim, ' my perdition will be greater than I can bear ■;' 
better to feel the deadly nature of iniquity than to fear 
the infliction of punishment. Do not then desire greater 



46 PASTORAL REMINISCENCES. 

distress of this kind ; nor pray for terrifying apprehen- 
sions of hell." 

At these remarks he was silent and sad ; I left him 
for a few moments to his own reflections, sensible that in 
his present state of mind, he needed encouragement and 
comfort. I held up to his mind the invitations of the 
Gospel in all their glory ; the boundless compassion of 
God, the infinite value of the blood of Christ, the perfect 
freeness of the salvation offered, the ample provision made 
for such as have nothing of their own on which to rely, 
and who utterly despair of doing anything for their own 
deliverance. I quoted the passage, " Seek ye the Lord 
while he may be found ;" he immediately added, " Call 
ye upon him while he is near ; let the wicked forsake his 
way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts, and let him 
turn unto the Lord, and he will have mercy upon him, 
and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon him." 
After explaining and applying the passage, I quoted the 
Saviour's invitation, " Come unto me all ye that labour 
and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest" — he im- 
mediately added, " Take my yoke upon you, and learn of 
me, for I am meek and lowly in heart, and ye shall find 
rest unto your souls-; for my yoke is easy, and my bur- 
den is. light." He continued : " I believe that I belong 
to the number of those thus invited ; that I am oppressed 
with the servitude of sin, and bowed down under a load 
of misery, and that none but Christ can give peace to my 
guilty conscience, and true satisfaction to my disquieted 
soul." 

I commenced the gracious promise, u The spirit and 
the bride say come" — the remainder he promptly quoted : 
-' and let him that heareth say come ; and let him that 



THE SCOTTISH -SEAMAN, 4 i 

is athirst come ; and whosoever will, let him take the 
water of life freely;" — Surprised at his knowledge of 
Scripture, I could not but tell him that since he came 
on shore he had read the word of God with great dili- 
gence. 

While I was explaining the nature of faith, and illus- 
trating the different kinds that are spoken of in Scripture, 
he interrupted me, saying : "I have been taught only 
one kind, and that may be called religious faith— -faith 
in Jesus Christ is a saving grace, wherein we receive and 
rest upon him alone for salvation, as he is offered to us in 
the gospel." — Astonished at hearing this, I asked him 
when and where he had learned it. " In the catechism, 
when I was a boy." 

My curiosity being excited to know his history, he, by 
repeated questions proposed to him, gave me the follow- 
ing particulars. He was born on one of the islands in 
the north of Scotland, of pious parents, who gave him a 
religious education. From his earliest childhood he was 
accustomed to family worship, morning and evening, and 
by his parents, pastor, and schoolmaster, carefully in- 
structed in the catechism and the Scriptures. — At an 
early age, a situation was sought £or him on board a ship 
destined for a long trading voyage to different parts of 
the world ; and he was accordingly bound for a number 
of years to the captain ; and after receiving the advice 
of his parents and minister, and an exhortation to be a 
pious boy and a brave sailor, he departed. He was at 
that time what most boys are at the age of fourteen, 
thoughtless, light-headed, and reckless of the future. 
His situation was one of much hardship ; his master 
proved harsh and tyrannical, and the whole crew extreme- 



48 PASTORAL REMINISCENCES. 

lj wicked. In consequence of his religious education 
and the checks of conscience, he was at first correct and 
moral ; and by his propriety of conduct reproved the 
vices of his companions ; but after a time, he yielded to 
temptation, gradually forsook his Bible, and at last in- 
dulged in all the profanity and crime which abound among 
sailors. I need not follow him through all his future 
course, and tell of the foreign countries which he visited, 
in how many different ships he sailed, and how he gradu- 
ally became mate, and afterwards master and part owner 
of a vessel. — When he was truly awakened by the Spirit, 
and convinced of sin, (by the means already mentioned,) 
he seemed at once to transport himself into the time past ; 
his early life recurred to his mind — his father's house, 
in which he daily heard the voice of prayer and praise, 
rose to his view ; he recalled the religious education 
which he had received, and had forcibly brought to his 
remembrance many of those lessons of piety derived from 
the Scripture and the catechism, in which he had been 
instructed. That holy book which for more than twenty 
years he had entirely neglected, now engaged his earnest 
attention ; he reviewed such portions as he had learned 
in childhood ; and as Jie read from day to day, was more 
and more convinced of his urgent and immediate need of 
a Saviour. 

After I had received this account of his life, I asked 
him what effect the recollection of his early religious 
privileges had upon him ? 

" It grieves me much to think that I have sinned 
against such a pious education ; such peculiar goodness 
and mercy ; and yet the recollection of these things 
keeps me from despair; I cannot but think that my 



THE SCOTTISH SEAMAN. 49 

father's desires will be granted, and my mother's 
prayers heard." 

We now returned to the nature of faith in Christ, and 
while he repeated the definition in the language of the 
catechism, I asked him if he understood if? 

" I am afraid not, though I have some little idea of 
it ; my apprehensions are dull, and my views dim ; I 
would thank you to explain it to me at length, for no 
subject is of more momentous consequence to me at this 
time." 

I consented, and endeavoured to be as plain and simple 
as possible. 

" Faith, you observe, is a grace, because it is the gift 
of God and freely bestowed ; a saving grace, because 
when exercised, salvation is begun, and in due time will 
be consummated. It consists in receiving Christ. You 
know what it is to receive a gift ; the present you may not 
deserve ; he who offers it may perceive that you need it, 
and will find it useful, and therefore be influenced only by 
a desire of doing you a kindness. Now Christ, the ob- 
ject of faith, is revealed in Scripture as a gift ; presented to 
such as are absolutely poor, and have nothing of their 
own ; presented to you particularly, who feel your spir- 
itual poverty and utter unworthiness ; and you must re- 
ceive him, lay hold of him, and make him your own. 

You must rest upon him, just as a house rests upon a 
solid foundation ; just as the ivy, weak in itself, and 
unable to withstand the slightest wind, rests upon the 
oak, and entwines around it, and thus stands firmly. 
You must rest upon him just as a feeble man rests upon 
his staff as a support. You must rest upon him just as 
you would, during a shipwreck, rely upon planks to carry 



50 PASTORAL REMINISCENCES. 

you safely to shore." — Here he interrupted me, saying : 
" In such a case I would have no certainty of being 
saved from a watery grave ; many a poor sailor has thus 
ventured, and been lost." 

" It is true ; but let us take the case of Paul, when 
he was wrecked upon Melita. When the mariners and 
passengers saw the vessel shattered, the waves prevail- 
ing, and no hope of safety remaining in the ship, they 
heard his declaration — probably received by revelation 
from his Master — that following his directions, none of 
them should be lost. They believed him, and cast them- 
selves upon the broken pieces of the vessel without 
scruple, and clave to them with a cheerful confidence, 
not doubting that according to the apostle's promise, 
they should all safely escape. Now ' a greater than ' 
Paul, even his Lord and our Lord, has promised that if 
we rely, venture, rest upon him, we shall not perish, but 
have everlasting life. 

" But you observe that we must rest upon Christ 
alone. His word is expressive and excludes every thing 
else but him as the ground of our confidence. There 
are those who rely upon the general mercy of God, or- 
upon the works of the law ; others blend their own worts 
with the righteousness of the Redeemer, and foolishly 
imagine that they can supply what is wanting in their 
obedience, by what the Saviour has done and suffered for 
them. But Christ divided will be of no use ; he will 
never consent to share with the sinner the honour of his 
salvation. 

" We must receive him, as he is offered to us in the 
gospel. He is offered freely ; ' come ye, buy and eat, 
without money, and without price.' c Come and take 



THE SCOTTISH SEAMAN. 51 

freely ' is our Master's invitation ; come without staying 
to acquire any good qualities. In the Parable, salvation 
is offered to the ' poor,' the ' maimed,' the ' halt and 
the blind' — to those who have no amiable endowment, 
but every loathsome property ; these are not only invi- 
ted, but entreated, and by every art of persuasion impor- 
tuned to come. The returning Prodigal came to his 
Father's house with no recommendation of dress, person, 
or character ; with nothing but his destitution, misery, 
and acknowledgment of vileness ; yet he was received 
and clothed with the best robe — the righteousness of 
Christ. 

" We must receive Christ wholly, for he can give every 
thing that we want ; we must receive him as our * wisdom,' 
to enlighten our ignorant minds ; our ' righteousness,' to 
justify our guilty persons ; our ' sanctification,' to renew 
our depraved natures ; our c redemption,' to rescue us 
from the bondage of sin and Satan. 

" We must receive him particularly, for so he is 
offered in the gospel. It is not sufficient that a man 
believe that the grant of the Saviour is to sinners in 
general ; he must feel that the offer is to him in particu- 
lar ; appropriate Christ to himself, and thus obtain an 
actual possession of Jesus. Every figurative expression 
on this subject used in Scripture, implies personal and 
individual application. Is Christ represented under the 
similitude of bread 1 It cannot nourish the body unless 
it be received and eaten. Is he held forth under the 
image of waters, ever running, and ever free 1 But let 
them run ever so copiously, and ever so freely, they will 
not quench the thirst, nor refresh the spirits, unless they 
are drunk. Is he represented as a rock ? It will give 



52 PASTORAL REMINISCENCES. 

no rest to the weary traveller unless he recline upon it. 
When the Israelites looked unto the brazen serpent, while 
they all considered it as a cure, each particular person 
regarded it as a remedy for himself. 

u Such is the nature of that grace, a definition of which 
you have given ; and what now hinders you from believ- 
ing 1 ' Wilt thou be made whole V Christ asks." 

After this view of faith, thus presented, one might 
imagine that the inquiring soul to whom the conversation 
was addressed, would at once have believed in Christ, 
and have cordially embraced that salvation which is per- 
fect in itself, and free to the sinner. If I had not often 
seen persons in the same situation, perpetually raising 
objections, founded on the want of personal merit, I 
should have wondered that he was so backward to be- 
lieve ; so unwilling to accept the provision which God 
had made, and enjoy the comfort so freely tendered. 
Like many, he was reluctant to come divested of every 
recommendation, and to exercise that genuine self-denial 
of the gospel which is the hardest sacrifice to human 
pride. 

" I would come to Christ, and receive and rest upon 
him, if I were prepared." 

" Prepared ! You say that you feel yourself to be a 
sinner ; that you have deserved Divine wrath ; that you 
feel that Jesus is able and willing to save you ; what 
more is needed 1 This conviction of sin and sense of 
want is all that is required ; and this is needful, not so 
much as inclining God to give, as disposing you to re- 
ceive." 

He still objected — " Is there nothing then to be done 
on my part ? No love of God to be exercised — no 



THE SCOTTISH SEAMAN. 53 

heavenly tnindedness to be practised — no victory over 
lusts to be gained — no fruits of holiness to be produced V 

" No ! None of these qualities Christ requires — they 
are the blessings which he freely bestows." 

" But must I not have repentance before I come ; true, 
heartfelt repentance V* 

" No ! For this too the Redeemer confers ; ' He is 
exalted a Prince, and a Saviour to give repentance.' 
You have given the definition of faith — can you not also 
give, from the Catechism, the definition of true repent- 
ance V 9 . With some assistance, he repeated the answer : 
■ Repentance unto life is a saving grace whereby a sin- 
ner , out of a true sense of his sin, and apprehension of 
the mercy of God in Christ, doth with grief and hatred 
of his sin, turn from it unto God, with full purpose 
of and endeavour after, new obedience.' u You per- 
ceive that the sinner cannot exercise grief and hatred of 
his sin, and turn from it unto God, until he have ( an 
apprehension of the mercy of God in Christ Jesus' — 
an expression which denotes saving faith. This is per- 
fectly consistent with the Word of God. Zechariah, 
referring to the gospel dispensation, intimates that we 
must first look to the Messiah that was pierced, and then 
' mourn as one mourneth for an only son ;' so that the 
tear of penitence may be said to flow from the eye of 
faith. It is true now, as it was in the days of the 
apostles, we i believe and turn unto the Lord,' Talk no 
more, then, of those qualifications being necessary for 
you in order to believe in Christ, which he bestows only 
upon those who have believed in him. You are to come 
as a beggar ; and all who are unwilling to live upon 
alms, indisposed to stand on a level with publicans and 
4 



54 PASTORAL REMINISCENCES. 

sinners, derive from him no assistance. By incessantly 
longing after some merit of your own, though you may 
not be aware of it, you dishonour the Redeemer, for he 
wishes you to come with all your sins about you, and all 
your guilt upon you. Now, your duty, my friend, is 
plain. I do not exhort you to pray — I know that you 
do it— nor to read the Scriptures — you are no stranger 
to that book ; but I do exhort vou to believe in the Lord 
Jesus Christ. It is not only your privilege, but your 
duty, founded upon an express command : ' This is his 
commandment that we should believe on the name of his 
Son, Jesus Christ.' It is one of the most important 
mandates that ever issued from his throne ; in neglecting 
which no other can be kept ; in observing which all 
others will be easy. Now will you not believe in him, 
and lay hold of his merits as your own 1 Your warrant 
to do it is clear and unexceptionable ; you are as really 
authorized to receive Christ with his covenant fulness 
and rich consolations as you are to eat bread when you 
hunger, or drink water when you thirst ; as you are to 
breathe the air, or walk by the light of the sun. c Him that 
Cometh unto me I will in no wise cast out, 5 is the lan- 
guage of him whose heart and hands are open to you, as 
widely open as infinite love can set them." 

Notwithstanding all that had been said and urged, he 
earnestly asked, " When am I to believe ? I feel it to be 
a duty ; but when should it be performed V 

" It is to be done now. Christ is able and willing to 
save you now ; every invitation, promise, and encourage- 
ment relates to the present moment. He says not : 
'Come unto me after a while; trust in me at some fu- 
ture time ;' but his language is, ' Come, for all things 



THE SCOTTISH SEAMAN. 55 

are now ready.' ' To-day, if you will hear his voice' — - 
and that voice says, ' come.' " 

At this last remark he was peculiarly thoughtful. I 
asked him no more questions, and here terminated the 
conversation. The meeting was dismissed, and he and 
the others retired. 

I have reason to know that the conversation held that 
evening had a considerable effect upon the mind of Capt. 

R . Seeking no acquaintance, and closely occupied 

with business during the day, he was every evening in 
his retirement, studying the Word of God, employed in 
meditation, or engaged in prayer. At the next meeting 
he was with " the enquirers," as usual. I said to him, 
u my friend, have you trusted Christ ?" 

He calmly replied : " How can I mistrust him ? so 
great, so good, so faithful — how can I refuse to confide 
in him 1 he suffered for the unjust — he died for sinners 
— he came to seek and to save that which was lost — to 
reconcile to God those who are his enemies ; I am of that 
number — how can I disbelieve ? and help relying upon 
him who died for my sins, and arose for my justification 1 
His salvation is every way suited to my condition ; per- 
fect in itself, and free to me as a sinner." 

" You feel then that it is all free — entirely of grace V? 

u I do — God was the first mover in the work — I was 
found of him whom I neither loved nor sought ; and by 
Divine grace am distinguished from those who were as 
good as I am, and who were exposed to the same death ; 
but they have lost all their serious impressions, while I 
am a brand plucked from the burning." 

Desiring indirectly to lead him to self-examination, I 
said : " I know no passage which more beautifully and 



c 



6 PASTORAL REMINISCENCES. 



concisely describes the character of true Christians than 
that of the apostle : ' Who worship God in the spirit, 
rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the 
flesh.' They i worship' him from the heart, with 
gratitude and love ; they 'rejoice in Christ Jesus;' to 
him look for all acceptance ; from him derive all their 
peace, and on him place all their hope ; they ' have no 
confidence in the flesh ;' renounce themselves in every 
view, as unprofitable servants, and disclaim all their 
works as defective services." 

" I have no great joy ; but I think that I have no re- 
liance upon any thing of my own for the present or the 
future ; I find a sufficiency in Christ not only to supply 
my wants, but to make me spiritually rich and eternally 
happy." 

" But though you have no high joy or rapture, have 
you not something of that rest and calm tranquillity 
which Jesus promises to the weary and heavy-laden ?" 

"Yes ! he does give rest and comfort ; and I love him 
for every thing that he does and is ; his character, as 
far as I know it, is pleasant to me." 

Gratified at such evidence of grace, I concluded the 
interview with remarking : " Let me now advise you, 
in the language of Barnabas, c with full purpose of 
heart to cleave unto the Lord Jesus ;' keep your eye 
continually fixed upon him ; like Paul, ' live a life of 
faith upon the Son of God.' Cleave to his word ; let it 
' dwell in you richly in all wisdom' — cleave to his right- 
eousness ; daily renounce your own, and rely upon his 
obedience — cleave to his spirit, pray that you may have 
it more abundantly, and be filled with his influences — 
cleave to his example, and look to him as your heavenly 



THE SCOTTISH SEAMAN. 57 

pattern. Thus ( cleave to the Lord' incessantly, close- 
ly, inseparably. This will increase your watchfulness, 
beget true humility of mind, work a greater abhorrence 
of sin, enkindle ardent love to God, enlarge your heart 
with benevolence to your fellow men, and exalt your 
affections far above the world. ' Be strong in the grace 
that is in Christ Jesus.' Faith in him can do more 
than remove mountains ; it can still an unquiet con- 
science, soften a hard heart, bend a stubborn will, and 
keep together God and man." 

Captain R continued several weeks amongst us, 

attending all our meetings, not forgetting the " meetino; 
of inquiry ;" preserving a calm and unruffled mind, 
growing in knowledge and grace ; striving to live, and 
walk, and pray in the Spirit. The time approaching 
when he was to leave us, he expressed a desire to make 
a public profession of religion before his departure. " I 
feel anxious," said he, "like Timothy, 'to profess a 
good profession before many witnesses ;' to observe 
God's command, £ Come out from among them, and be 
ye separate, and I will be a father unto you ;' to have 
respect to that duty to which the Saviour has annexed 
so gracious a promise : c Whosoever shall confess me 
before men, him will I also confess before my Father who 
is in heaven.' " 

" In making this profession of faith what do you sup- 
pose you declare I" 

" I merely profess publicly what I have done private- 
ly ; to take Christ as my teacher and instructor ; receive 
him as my priest and sacrifice ; submit to him as my 
king and lawgiver, and adopt him as my pattern and ex- 
ample." 



58 PASTORAL REMINISCENCES. 

" The command of Christ is a sufficient reason why 
you should perform the duty ; but do you expect to de- 
rive from it any benefit 1" 

" I do ; it will release me from the reproach of being 
Christ's enemy, and confer upon me the honour of being 
his friend ; it will grant me a right and title to all the 
privileges and comforts of communion with his people ; 
it will give me a decision which I much need, and thus 
strengthen me to resist temptation ; it will enable me, 
through Divine grace, in consequence of my association 
with others, to be fortified against the influence of ex- 
ample and reproach ; it will increase my usefulness, 
and, I trust, will make me more zealous in a cause which 
I publicly profess to espouse." 

On the week after this conversation he was admitted 
into the church, made a public profession of his faith, 
and entered into covenant with God. It was an inter- 
esting occasion — -all seemed affected, but none so much 
as he who on that day first avouched the Lord to be his 
God. After the service, he said to me with solemnity, 
" now the world will regard me in a different light from 
what it has ever done before, and its eyes will be upon 
me 5 it knows that I have committed myself, and I must 
be consistent. I hope that I shall not bring dishonour 
upon the church, but that I may be a credit and comfort 
to you all. Pray for me, and let the brethren pray for 
me when I am far away ; for I shall be exposed to many 
temptations." 

"We will not forget you, captain; we will pray for 
you. Living near to the Redeemer, feeling and express- 
ing your dependence upon him, you will find his c grace 
sufficient ;' through ' Christ's strengthening,' you can ' do 



THE SCOTTISH SEAMAN. 59 

all things ;' you can be a faithful witness for the Saviour, 
making him known, and causing him to be loved ; an 
index to the cross — a waymark to heaven ; we rejoice 
that we shall have a member of our church on the ocean ; 
a useful member among those of your profession for 
whom we ought to be more deeply concerned." 

The circumstance of a mariner thus publicly profess- 
ing Christ increased the interest which was begin- 
ning to be felt in behalf of this class of our fellow men. 
Not long before, a " Seamen's Friend Society" had been 
formed, a sail-loft procured, the Bethel flag raised, the 
sailors collected, and the gospel plainly preached to 
them. When it was known that the master of a ship 
had joined the church, several began to inquire, whether, 
as they too were sinners, the gospel was not needed by 
them ; and those who had never before heard the gospel, 
cheerfully attended the meeting that was instituted for 
seamen. 

Another circumstance occurring about this time had 

its effect. Captain Q , who had retired from the 

active service of the sea, was well known in the commu- 
nity. During the last war with Great Britain, he had 
commanded a privateer, took many prizes, and on more 
than one occasion, displayed remarkable heroism. Like 
most sailors, he was noble and generous in his feelings, 
but very hostile to religion. Seeing, at one time, a friend 
who had lately become pious, reading the Bible, he ex- 
claimed, "What! Captain D , reading again? If 

you do not take care, that book will yet be the ruin of 

you." — " No ! Captain Q , it is making me happy ; 

it is taking away from me all fear, and giving me peace 
of conscience ; and it will make me happy in the world 



60 PASTORAL REMINISCENCES. 

to come." — " Nonsense ! taking away fear ! I have no 
fear ; I am not afraid of death — I have faced it too often 
at the cannon's mouth ; nor of hell ; nor of the Almighty 
himself." — It is remarkable then, when he came to die, 
which was not long afterwards, all his boasted courage 
departed ; peculiar fearfulness came on him ; the most 
horrible dread overwhelmed him ; God seemed to reveal 
himself in all his majesty, and the dying man cried out, 
" Oh ! he is too great — he is too great for me !" — " It is 
a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God !" 

Circumstances of this kind so tended to enlist the 
sympathies of the community in favour of seamen, that 
the society renewed its exertions with unusual encour- 
agement. Amidst vicissitudes of prosperity and declen- 
sion, it has at last succeeded in erecting a " Mariner's 
Church," an ornament to the place in which it is located, 
and a blessing to many that are ready to perish. Who 
knows what a connexion there may be between the erec- 
tion of this church and the prayers of Captain R . 

In preparing for his departure, it was truly gratifying 
to see the desire which this new convert evinced to be 
useful ; procuring Bibles, tracts, and other good books 
to carry with him to his destined port, the island of Bar- 
badoes. — u They need," said he, " such books there, for 
they are very ignorant and irreligious, and I may do 
some good by distributing them. How they will be sur- 
prised to see the change in me ; I hope that I shall be 
faithful, and by my conduct subdue their prejudices 
against religion, and conciliate their affection to it ; that 
I shall show the light of truth, and the power of love ; 
that I shall be the instrument of drawing some of them 
to Christ. How much courage and patience do I need !" 



THE SCOTTISH SEAMAN. 



61 



I asked him what course he intended to pursue on board 
the ship ? He replied, " I shall have no swearing among 
the men, check other vice and immorality ; daily read 
the Scriptures, when the weather permits ; and oh ! that 
I could pray with them — but that I cannot yet do ; but 
I will pray in secret for them, and I hope that my 
prayers may be answered." 

We took leave of him as the vessel departed, com- 
mending him and the crew to the care of that God, who 
" holdeth the winds in his hands;" and who " bringeth 
them that go down to the sea in ships unto their desired 
haven." 

About eighteen months after this, the captain was 
again with us, having visited several West India islands 
since his departure. It was pleasant for him to return 
to the place where he first had a sense of his guilt, and 
found forgiving mercy ; where he first came out from the 
world into the church, and professed to be a living mar- 
tyr for Christ ; where he had received so much commu- 
nion with God and his people. It was also truly grati- 
fying to us to see him ; to behold him " steadfast and 
immoveable" in the cause he had professed ; to view him 
a witness of the promise, " I will never leave nor forsake 
thee ;" to have exhibited the living testimony of the 
truth, that Christ's grace is sufficient for his people. It 
was pleasant to hear him recount the many scenes 
through which he had passed since he left us ; the dan- 
gers to which he had been exposed ; the trials which he 
had endured ; the temptations which he had encountered ; 
the seasons of communion which he had enjoyed with 
the friends of the Redeemer ; the instances of conversion 

of which he hoped that he had been the instrument — all 

4# 



62 PASTORAL REMINISCENCES. 

showing the power of faith, and testifying that he was 
" folio wing on to know the Lord." He spent only one 
Sabbath with us, and then departed. 

Since that time I have never seen him, nor heard any 
particular tidings of him. Whether he be tossing on the 
troubled ocean of life, or have attained the haven of eter- 
nal rest, I know not. This I know, that he was a mon- 
ument to the Lord's praise ; that he bore the impress of 
the Saviour's image on his heart, and exhibited the marks 
of Divine grace in his life, with peculiar simplicity and 
unfeigned sincerity. 

Some useful reflections are suggested by this brief 
history. 

1. We are taught by narratives of this kind the dif- 
ferent ways in which persons are brought to a knowledge 
of the truth. 

Who would not suppose that the seaman whose conver- 
sion we have considered, the man profane and wicked, 
who had sinned against so much religious instruction, 
would have been overwhelmed with an awful dread of 
future punishment ; would have exclaimed in agony, 
u Who can dwell with the devouring fire 1 who can en- 
dure everlasting burnings T' But he seems not to have 
had any such fears ; at one time he lamented that he 
felt not this dread, erroneously thinking that it was ne- 
cessary to salvation. There was little of the terrors of 
Sinai attending his change — no thunders of the law — no 
violent alarms of conscience ; on the contrary, from the 
very commencement, he was encouraged ; from the earli- 
est dawn of conviction he hoped that " the good work 
which was begun in him would be carried on unto the day 
of Jesus Christ." 



THE SCOTTISH SEAMAN. 63 

In every age, God has various ways to " make his 
people willing in the day of his power." Some he en- 
lightens in a gradual way, and draws with the cords of 
love ; they calmly hear the u still small voice" of the 
Spirit, and meekly submit to the authority of Jesus ; 
while he strikes conviction into the minds of others as 
with a voice of thunder ; gives them an awful view of 
the bottomless pit, and brings them to the very verge of 
despair. Many of the reasons of this difference in the 
Divine conduct we cannot explain. As God effectually 
calls whom he will, so he brings them to a knowledge of 
his salvation in what way, and by what means, he 
pleases. It is not necessary for one's satisfaction to in- 
quire, " Have I had great fears of hell? by what means 
were they wrought ? how long did they continue V but 
" Do I believe in the Lord Jesus Christ ? have I now 
the fruits of the Spirit?" — " Ye are my friends, if ye do 
whatsoever I command you." 

2. Another truth is taught — the necessity of encour- 
agement to the sinner, however vicious he may be; how- 
ever far he may have departed from Christ. 

Such a course was pursued towards the subject of this 
narrative, when under conviction of sin ; he was told that 
he should take encouragement from the abundant prom- 
ises and invitations of the gospel ; that there was no rea- 
son why he should stand trembling at a distance, as if 
there were no favour for him, but that in the way of 
grace he should confidently look for it in the name of 
Christ. 

Every thing in the word of God and in the nature of 
man teaches us the necessity of encouraging all sinners^ 
whatever may be their character, to hope in God's mercy ; 



64 PASTORAL REMINISCENCES. 

to believe that if they trust in Christ, and repent of their 
sins, they will be saved. There are not a few, I think, 
who, if they were absolutely sure that God is willing to 
pardon them, would be induced to turn and seek his mer- 
cy ; a deep, heartfelt sense of this truth would sustain 
them in their calamities, and keep them from despair. 
Many there are, I have reason to believe, who, having 
long indulged their wicked propensities, and having been 
the occasion of ruin to others, say with those mentioned 
by the prophet, " there is no hope ! no ; for we have 
loved strangers, and after them will we go !" Thus, in 
a kind of sullen despair, they harden their consciences, 
to enjoy for a while the pleasures of sin without control 
or remorse ; perceiving no reason for hope, they endeav- 
our to discard fear ; having no conception that " there is 
forgiveness with God" for such enormous offenders, they 
rush on to ruin. What can tend so effectually to break 
this destructive snare as the proclamation that the most 
profligate and vicious have a complete warrant to believe 
in Christ ? What affords so firm a foundation for hope 
under bloody and " crimson" sins, as the fact that the 
grace of Christ is absolutely free, confined to no rules, 
and acting as it pleases 1 The affectionate preaching of 
such doctrine by Whitefield was the means of touching 
the hearts of the poor colliers at Kingswood — the repeat- 
ed annunciation of the same truths by Rowland Hill found 
its way to the affections of the sailors at Portsmouth ; 
in both instances they were encouraged, under the char- 
acter of vile and perishing sinners, at once to rely upon 
Christ, assured that in so doing, they would not be dis- 
appointed. Let sinners of every class and description 
be made to 'know that there is pardon for them, full and 



THE SCOTTISH SEAMAN. 65 

free pardon, if they believe and repent; that if disposed 
to turn unto God, the gracious invitations of Scripture ; 
the assurances of Christ's power and willingness ; the 
declarations of the infinite fulness of his atonement, inter- 
pose between them and despair ; between them and per- 
dition. — " The Lord taketh pleasure in them that hope 
in his mercy." 

3. What encouragement is given to pious parents 
who faithfully perform their duties to their children. 

The parents of the subject of this narrative had care- 
fully attended to his religious education from his earliest 
childhood to his departure from their house. But they 
lived not to see their labours blessed, and the image of 
God impressed upon the heart of their child ; they were 
taken from the world, and he was left, a stranger to Di- 
vine grace, profaning the name of his Maker, scoffing at 
the religion of his fathers, and encouraging others in 
guilt. But after he had for years rushed heedlessly for- 
ward in the path of folly and vice, he was arrested by 
Divine mercy, and made a trophy of sovereign love. 
Who will not suppose that the many prayers which his 
father and mother had offered were then heard ; and that 
by turning unto the Lord, he bestowed on them sensa- 
tions of joy, greater even than they would have felt had 
they in life seen him walking in the paths of holiness % 
Such joy the good Hezekiah must have had in the realms 
of bliss, when his son Manasseh repented of his sins, and 
gave to the pious father the assurance that he would 
meet him before the throne of glory. Let considerations 
like these encourage pious parents to be faithful to their 
children ; to exercise over them a wise discipline, give 
them religious instruction, illustrating their precepts by 



6$ PASTORAL REMINISCENCES. 

personal example, and often pray to God for a blessing. 
Their efforts for a time may appear to fail of success ; 
they may be tried to the very utmost by the evil disposi- 
tions and conduct of their offspring ; but they have no 
reason to despond. This is not the only instance that 
teaches us that early impressions and convictions of con- 
science have lain dormant for years, and at last have re- 
vived into gracious maturity ; that pious instructions, 
given in youth, neglected and forgotten, have, in some 
hour of calamity, been forcibly brought to remembrance 
by the Holy Spirit, and produced a true and saving con- 
version. — " I will be your God, and the God of your 
seed after you," is the gracious assurance given to those 
parents who trust him in faith and patience. Hear it, 
ye praying fathers and mothers, for " the promise is 
unto you and your children." 

3. Let this narrative lead to greater efforts for the 
salvation of seamen. 

Here is presented an interesting instance of conversion 
among a portion of our fellow men, considered until lately 
the most unpromising subjects of Divine grace. It is a 
matter of astonishment and delight to contemplate such 
an example of devoted piety ; and yet it is only one of 
many instances that have recently occurred among this 
class of the community. The efforts made for their 
moral improvement have been particularly honoured, and 
have resulted in the salvation of hundreds and thousands. 
Let this good cause have a larger share of the sympa- 
thies of Christians in every part of the world ; let it call 
into requisition every energy of their souls ; impel to 
severer duties, incite to greater sacrifices, and lead to 
more humble, ardent, persevering prayer. Then the 



THE SCOTTISH SEAMAN. 67 

traveller, as he crosses seas and oceans, will find in every 
vessel an altar erected to the blessed Redeemer ; on every 
coast, sanctuaries consecrated to the living God ; in every 
port, hymns of gratitude and praise vibrating upon his 
ear. 



68 PASTORAL REMINISCENCES. 



CHAPTER III. 

THE DAUGHTER OF DEJECTION COMFORTED. 

— " He came to cheer 
The broken-hearted ; to raise up the sick ; 
And on the wandering- and benighted mind 
To pour the light of truth." 

While subject to all the ordinary afflictions of life, the 
Christian has other sources of sorrow unknown to the 
world. Among these is the apprehension of his safety 
before God ; the most perplexing doubts respecting his 
religious character, and distressing fears concerning the 
foundation of his hopes. Some of the best people of God 
have here been peculiarly tried, and have found from 
experience that it is the severest affliction that could 
befal them. To u walk in darkness and see no light," 
is indeed distressing to those who sensibly feel their de- 
pravity, perceive the extent of the Divine law, appreciate 
the value of the human soul, and know the danger of 
coming short of salvation. In comparison with this, all 
other trials seem light. They could support with firm- 
ness every trouble of life, were they but certain of their 
eternal safety ; endure the frowns of men with compo- 
sure, were they conscious of the favour of God ; support 
willingly " these light afflictions which are but for a 
moment," were they confident that they would " work 
out for them an exceeding and eternal weight of glory ;" 



DAUGHTER OF DEJECTION COMFORTED. 69 

suffer death with tranquillity and triumph, were they 
assured that they " would be for ever with the Lord." 

Various are the causes of this spiritual darkness. In 
the instance which I am about to mention, its continu- 
ance for a considerable time, was owing to the want of 
proper means to dispel the darkness and receive light 
and comfort. 

The person thus afflicted, was a female member of the 
church of which I was pastor, well educated and intelli- 
gent, consistent in her conduct, exemplary in all the 
relations of life, even eminent for her humility, penitence, 
watchfulness, tenderness of conscience, and zeal for the 
salvation of others. But her cheerfulness was not in 
proportion to her other attainments, nor her joy com- 
mensurate with her spiritual progress. On the contrary, 
she was afflicted by a religious depression that was truly 
lamentable ; and while all her friends had the firmest 
confidence in her piety, she was • • writing bitter things 
against" herself ; while they were presenting her as a 
model of what was u pure, lovely, and of good report," 
she was doubting whether she had ever been "renewed 
in the spirit of her mind ;" whether her penitence and 
faith were genuine ; whether her hopes for eternity were 
any thing more than a splendid delusion. 

In my first visits to her, I said but little respecting the 

state of her mind and the cause of her feelings ; anxious, 

if possible, to ascertain, without any direct enquiry, the 

origin of her darkness and doubts. I in time learned 

that in her excessive dread lest she should come short of 

heaven, and her anxious solicitude to ascertain whether 

she was in a state of acceptance with God, or under the 

condemnation of the law, she was constantly searching 



70 PASTORAL REMINISCENCES. 

into the evidences of a state of conversion ; that in her 
religious reading, next to the Bible, the books which 
fully treated on such subjects, she most frequently read ; 
that one book, excellent in itself, and containing much 
valuable religious casuistry, she assiduously studied ; 
and that day and night she intensely examined those 
parts that relate to the work of grace in the heart. But 
all this reading and scrutiny had no effect in removing 
her darkness or taking away her doubts. 

After much reflection, I determined to have an unre- 
served conversation with her on the subject. I observed 
that it was evidently the privilege of all Christians to 
enjoy Divine consolation ; that religion was not a vexa- 
tious burden, or an irksome task, but intended to be the 
comfort of our lives and the joy of our hearts ; that God 
is " the God of all comfort ;" that Christ is styled " the 
consolation of Israel," and the Holy Ghost " the Com- 
forter;" that the gospel is "the joyful sound;" that 

the fruits of the Spirit are joy and peace." 

I am sure of it," she replied, " and it is the reason 
why I am anxious to know with certainty whether I am 
a child of God, and entitled to the promises ; with such 
knowledge I shall be happy." 

" It is most desirable knowledge. I cannot conceive 
of any thing more afflictive than suspense on this subject ; 
a continued doubt whether our final portion be in the 
regions of misery, or the mansions of glory." 

" You think, then, that assurance can be attained?" 

" Certainly — it can, and has been attained by saints in 
all ages. David could say without any doubt, c the 
Lord is all my salvation, and all my desire- — the Lord is 
my shepherd, I shall not want — bless the Lord, ! my 



a 



DAUGHTER OF DEJECTION COMFORTED. 71 

soul who forgiveth all thine iniquities.' Habakkuk 
could say, c the Lord God is my strength.' — Can you 
imagine that now, in the days of the gospel, when our 
advantages are greater, and our light clearer, our com- 
forts should be fewer 1 Christians in the apostolic age 
could say, c we know that we have passed from death 
unto life ;' they were free from that uneasiness and 
doubt which too much characterize believers of our day. 
It is true, there were then, as now, hypocrites and self- 
deceivers ; but real Christians seemed to enjoy uniform 
assurance of faith and hope ; this firm persuasion of their 
acceptance they possessed, not because they were exposed 
to persecution, and needed peculiar supports ; not be- 
cause they lived nearer the time of the Redeemer's death, 
but because they had stronger faith, and relied more 
simply upon Christ's righteousness ; and just in propor- 
tion as we imitate them in this respect, will practical 
religion advance in our hearts." 

" You do not mean to say that freedom from doubts 
is essential to salvation, and necessary for the existence 
of true faith ?" 

"By no means— -I have known several of God's chil- 
dren who are in a much better condition with regard 
to his favour than they themselves believe ; several 
who are, in my estimation, sincerely c righteous,' for 
whom ' light is sown,' truly c mourning' over sin, for 
whom ' joyful gladness is prepared,' suffering c the spirit 
of heaviness,' who through eternity will be clothed with 
i the garments of praise.' I believe that God loves 
them, and Christ intercedes for them, though they are 
under the constant influence of misgiving fears ; else 
whence this searching of heart, this acknowledgment 



72 PASTORAL REMINISCENCES. 

of guilt, this self-condemnation, this thirst after par- 
doning and sanctifying grace 1 — But do not these per- 
sons deprive themselves of the richest source of com- 
fort, as long as they suffer these doubts to remain? 
Are there not several duties which they can scarcely 
perform ; several graces which they can hardly exercise, 
in an habitual state of suspense and uncertainty 1 How 
is it possible to praise God for a favour which we are not 
certain that we have received 1 Or if a feeble hope 
mixed with many fears be entitled to devout acknowl- 
edgment, our praises must be faint and languid, in pro- 
portion to the mixture of darkness and uncertainty that 
attends it. Such doubts are not to be ascribed to any 
deficiency of Scripture, or any want of fulness in Christ, 
but entirely to ourselves. If this be the case, those ap- 
prehensions that have given you so much perplexity, and 
that darkness which has cost you so much anguish, 
should be regarded as your enemies ; you should pray 
against them with ardour, and oppose them with resolu- 
tion." 

" This is what I am endeavouring to do ; but the more 
I strive, the more I experience every thing of a distress- 
ing nature. I seek God by prayer day and night, but 
he still hides his face from me ; I read his word, and 
find there much to aggravate my distress, but little to 
give me comfort ; I examine myself by marks of a con- 
verted state, laid down by pious writers, and search for 
the evidences of renewing grace in my heart, but all in 
vain ; if a glimpse of hope break in upon me, it is only 
of short duration ; the more I search, the more dark, 
confounded, and distressed I become. I omit not the 
means of grace ; but in the house of God, and at the 
Lord's Supper, the most melancholy darkness rushes 



DAUGHTER OF DEJECTION COMFORTED. 73 

into my soul, making me feel that all my worship is 
only a solemn mockery." 

I deeply felt for her, and expressing my tender sym- 
pathy, said, " Are you sure that the means which you 
have used to know your state, and to remove your dark- 
ness, has been the wisest and the best 1 You look for 
evidences of grace ; and, from what you say, are doing- 
it in the season of darkness. Is that the season for 
such search ? Would you not be naturally led at such 
a time to have low and imperfect ideas of the character 
of God ; to consider him rather as breaking than sup- 
porting the bruised reed, as quenching, rather than 
reviving, the smoking flax % Would there not be such 
a distrust, misapprehension, and hesitancy as would dis- 
pose you to look on the dark side ; to regard as counter- 
feits what might be truly Christian virtues, and to con- 
sider as restraining, what might be in reality saving 
grace ? The means which you have taken has perplex- 
ed, rather than calmed your mind ; cherished, rather than 
removed, your doubts and fears. Let the marks of con- 
version be what they please ; they cannot be clearly dis- 
cerned by you, and therefore must yield but a feeble 
evidence ; as you have said, they may give a glimpse of 
hope which will soon be gone, and succeeded by dark- 
ness. Such glimmering and precarious evidence will 
never afford stable hope — much less, permanent and 
uniform assurance. For years you have tried this 
method of obtaining comfort ; and instead of finding it a 
relief, you have found that it has increased your depres- 
sion, and almost driven you to despair. You are de- 
siring, (and the desire in many respects is right and 
good,) to view the image of God clearly impressed upon 



74 PASTORAL REMINISCENCES. 

your heart ; to see more of the saint, and less of the 
sinner. But you must be aware that if you were the 
holiest saint on earth, your personal purity would not, 
could not, be the ground of your comfort ; the only true 
foundation is the Lord Jesus Christ ; upon him and his 
righteousness the purest saint must depend as much as 
the vilest sinner ; and to him the latter is as welcome as 
the former. In your religious exercises, may you not, 
without being conscious of it, be relying in some degree 
upon your own righteousness ; building your comforts 
and hopes so much upon the evidences of grace as to 
overlook the great Redeemer 1 May you not be mingling 
with this ? sure foundation,' as the apostle expresses it, 
some ' wood, hay, and stubble,' some duties and obedi- 
ence of your own, forgetting that Christ gives what we 
ask, only ? through the riches of his grace.' Chris- 
tians, as well as awakened sinners, are liable to self- 
righteousness ; there are few in whom the legal principle 
does not, at times, more or less operate ; and I can con- 
ceive of a person in your situation so anxious to deter- 
mine his state in the sight of God, as to employ means 
not perfectly agreeable with the free graces of the Re- 
deemer ; so wholly engaged in proving his character 
consistent with a state of grace, as to be diverted from 
that grand object to which he should first and principally 
look — the atonement and everlasting righteousness of Je- 
sus. Now let me recommend you to cease looking at 
yourself, and to turn your eyes entirely from your past 
experience ; it will be of little value to you to reflect that 
there was a time when your frame of mind was more 
tranquil than it now is, when the candle of the Lord 
seemed to shine brightly upon your head, and when you 



DAUGHTER OF DEJECTION COMFORTED. <0 

were supported by the unclouded anticipations of eternal 
glory ; you want a surer ground of dependence than 
your own variable feelings ; than any thing which you 
possess. Take another method, which is agreeable to 
the advice of Scripture ; c who is among you that walk- 
eth in darkness and hath no light 1 let him trust in the 
name of the Lord, and stay upon his God.' " 

" Do you mean," said she eagerly, "that in order to 
ascertain my condition, I should cease to examine myself, 
and compare my character and conduct with the eviden- 
ces of grace V y 

" You have already done that ; and you have not ad- 
vanced a single step towards your desired object; you 
have sought comfort in sanctifi cation and have failed; 
let me now advise you to seek it in justification." 

66 What do you mean V? 

u I mean that you should cease entirely to search 
through your past life for evidence of piety ; in your 
present situation, whatever others may see, you cannot 
find it. You have been reading, thinking, hearing, 
praying, and examining yourself, and yet you are no 
nearer to happiness than when you commenced ; there 
is no peace nor rest to your soul. Now give up entirely 
the point of proving yourself a child of God as a medi- 
um of comfort. " 

" Give up !" she feelingly exclaimed, " give up seek- 
ing, examining myself, the use of such means of grace — 
it will be giving up my salvation I" 

" No ! it may be the means of giving you a bright 
hope, and even an assurance of your salvation. If you 
cannot come to Christ as a saint and receive comfort^ 
come to him as a sinner , and accept pardon ; if you can- 



76 



PASTORAL REMIiNISCENCES. 



not, after the most diligent enquiries into the evidences 
of grace, approach God as one of his renewed people, 
then draw near, as to one from whom all renewing grace 
and its evidences flow. You are a sinner !" 

" I am — I feel it ; a guilty, polluted, perishing sin- 
ner, without help in myself ; and among other sins, what 
criminal unbelief and self-righteousness have I been 
guilty of, so dishonourable to God, displeasing to Christ, 
and injurious to myself; by such iniquity I have made 
myself of all creatures the most miserable." 

" I need not tell you of the facts and doctrines, decla- 
rations and promises of the Gospel ; not declare that they 
are free and open to all without exception who desire 
salvation ; nor say that faith is neither more nor less 
than a sincere crediting of the truth of the declaration, 
and a firm reliance upon the promise connected with it — 
you know all these things. Go then to Christ, and make 
a renewed, or if you choose so to call it, an entirely new 
surrender of yourself to him ; exercise strong faith ; say 
not, it may be that the Lord will receive and welcome 
me, and therefore I will try, but go, as you are recom- 
mended by the apostle, ' boldly f go to him poor and 
needy, destitute and wretched — his heart is free, his 
arms are open — he will not reject you because of your 
past provocation and present corruption — he will rejoice 
to receive you. When you have obtained from him par- 
don and hope, banish for ever all doubts and fears ; con- 
tinue to exercise a firm and unshaken persuasion of your 
reconciliation with God through Christ Jesus. I do not 
think that assurance is essential to faith, but I do think 
that if one has the latter, he will desire and aspire after 
the former; that if he use the right method, he will at- 



DAUGHTER OF DEJECTION COMFORTED. 77 

tain it, and that the best means, in most cases, and cer- 
tainly in jours, is i looking unto Jesus,' rather than 
searching for renewed qualities in the soul." 

After a pause of a few minutes, she exclaimed : " As- 
surance is a great blessing ; to say without doubt ' Christ 
and the benefits of his purchase are mine ; the Holy 
Spirit, with his influences, is mine ; heaven, with all its 
glories, is mine' — what a privilege !" 

" And what hinders you and me from possessing it, if 
it be the result of strong and unwavering faith in Christ 1 
We have a warrant for it, the best of warrants — the gift 
of God. It does seem to me to be intimately connected 
with the faithful performance of every Christian duty. 
How can we 6 rejoice in the Lord,' if unbelieving doubts 
predominate — how c walk worthy of God who hath called 
us to his kingdom and glory,' unless assured that he has 
effectually called us — how c abound in the works of the 
Lord,' unless we have an animating prospect of a glori- 
ous resurrection — how ' be followers of God, as dear 
children,' unless we can say with filial confidence ■ Ab- 
ba Father' — how ■ cleanse ourselves from all pollution 
of the flesh and spirit,' unless we have an assured reli- 
ance upon those £ precious promises which are given us 
in Christ Jesus' — how pray ' with boldness, and have ac- 
cess with confidence,' c nothing doubting,' unless we have 
this inestimable blessing — how c have communion and 
fellowship with God,' if there be even a suspicion of his 
alienation from us ; if there be not a confident assurance 
of his reconciliation to us, and our reconciliation to him ? 
Such confident persuasion is honourable to God, and 
gives to him the highest glory ; it is also pleasing to 
Christ, for nothing delights him so much as confident 



78 PASTORAL REMINISCENCES. 

trust in him ; so grieves him as to be compelled to say 
to his children, ' ! fools, slow of heart to believe — why 
are ye fearful, O ye of little faith V " 

" But is this blessing as much prized, and as earnestly 
sought as its importance requires T' 

u It is not — it is to be grievously lamented that such 
numbers have lived so many years since Christ called 
them by his grace, and have spent their lives doubting ; 
they thus began their Christian course — they thus prose- 
cute it — and they, at last, thus die. We have an ex- 
press command, ' Give all diligence to make your calling 
and election sure;' it is a duty, therefore, as well as a 
blessing ; and if it were more regarded as an obligation, 
it would oftener be attained as a privilege. The express 
sion c give all diligence ' implies that it is a difficult duty. 
To trust in an unseen God, to believe in his unchange- 
able love, when we see only frowns ; to confide in his bare 
word, when we perceive no prospect of immediate per- 
formance, is no easy thing. Too many Christians, from 
the neglect of this duty, have their love cooled and their 
comfort diminished ; their doubts subject them to that 
c fear which hath torment,' produce unfruitfulness, and 
impoverish the whole soul. Exercise then a strong, im- 
movable, and triumphant faith ; with a firm hand lay 
hold of the promises which are sealed by the oath of the 
Father, the blood of the Son, and the witness of the 
Spirit. Thus believing, you ' will not be confounded;' 
you will 'have the witness in yourself;' you will be 
• sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise ;' you will per- 
ceive all your doubts gone. You may afterwards find, 
as all believers do, your best hours defiled by sinful in- 
firmities, and your best duties stained with evil imperfec- 



DAUGHTER OF DEJECTION COMFORTED. 79 

tions ; but you can look to Christ, and be forgiven and 
sustained. You may have seasons of desertion, but look- 
ing to Christ will make them transient. You will have 
many duties to perform, many temptations to resist, 
many corruptions to mortify, and many graces to culti- 
vate ; but look to Christ, and you can obtain all needful 
succour." 

I ceased speaking. After a pause of some minutes, 
she said :. " Is this all the advice which you give 1 How 
different from what I have been accustomed to. I have 
been instructed by others, and by the books which I have 
read, to look at my feelings and conduct ; to enquire in 
what manner I performed this duty, and in what way I 
resisted that temptation ; whether this evidence of con- 
version be seen in my life, and that proof of repentance 
be apparent in my heart. Your counsel is different." 

" It is the only advice which I can give. I repeat it ; go 
to Christ, compare your sins with his blood, your wants 
with his fulness, your unbelief with his faithfulness, your 
weakness with his strength, your inconstancy with his ever- 
lasting love. One glimpse of him by faith, one kind word 
from his lips, one smile of his countenance, one token of 
his love, in this your day of darkness and doubt, will cheer 
and refresh your soul more than all the services in which 
you have been engaged. He is the crown of crowns, the 
glory of glories, the heaven of heavens, '.* all and in all ;' 
and if you seek for light and satisfaction in any thing but 
in him, you will be like the men of Shechem, who forsook 
the sweetness of the fig-tree and vine for the bramble 
which consumed them. I leave you, saying, that though 
your comfort is gone, the author of your comfort lives — 
appeal from a God_angry s to a God appeased — appeased 



80 PASTORAL REMINISCENCES. 

in Christ Jesus ; and though your candle is put out, God, 
I trust, will light it again, and make it burn more brightly 
than ever." 

I left her, commending her to Him who "is anointed 
to give the oil of joy for mourning, and the garment of 
praise for the spirit of heaviness." Visiting her some 
days afterwards, I was gratified in finding her calm and 
quiet — her simple, child-like trust in that Saviour who 
had " borne her griefs, and carried her sorrows," did for 
her soul what all her efforts, sincere and long continued, 
could not accomplish. 

u I have learned," said she, " a lesson which I hope I 
shall never forget, that a spirit of dejection is not a spirit 
of humility, for true humiliation urges to Christ, and 
throws the soul at his feet ; I find that a great part of 
my trouble has arisen from a mistaken apprehension of 
the Saviour, that I have judged of him by my sense, not 
by his promise ; by my own frame, and not by his un- 
changing character ; I am now fully convinced that I can 
obtain peace and joy, not by looking inward and examin- 
ing my heart, nor by inspecting my duties, in the best of 
which I discover many flaws ; but only by repeatedly and 
incessantly looking to Christ, in whom I see my sins for- 
given, and my person accepted — he is the sun of right 
eousness that must daily enlighten and enliven me, or I 
shall again be in darkness ; my food on which I must 
continually live, as the Israelites subsisted on the manna 
from heaven, and the water from the rock. God help- 
ing me, I will never hereafter rely on any thing of my 
own, either for present joy, or future glory ; I know from 
experience, that to rest upon the elevation of my spirits, 
or the enlargement of my devotion, is to build upon a 



DAUGHTER OF DEJECTION COMFORTED. 81 

foundation which cannot abide ; but Christ is a c rock' 
that l standeth fast for ever ;' amidst all changes, he is 
invariably the same ; his promises are yea and amen — he 
ever lives, ever loves, ever pities, ever pleads. If I 
cannot shine as a saint, I will beg as a sinner; I want 
nothing and ask nothing but what he who ' cannot lie' 
has promised, and what is confirmed in Jesus Christ, the 
true and faithful witness." 

"You speak of changes — you will have them; the 
Christian's sky is never long clear and without clouds ; 
changes of way and weather must be expected of ■ stran- 
gers and pilgrims' who are journeying to heaven. But 
the promise never changes, and if you ever think that it 
fails, be assured that it is only because your faith is 
feeble ; like a giddy man who, standing upon an elevated 
rock, thinks that it shakes and totters, when the tremour 
is only in his own limbs. In your access to Christ, ask 
frequently, and for the greatest blessings. This access 
is different from the intercourse which you have with 
earthly friends. You are welcome to them, when you 
visit them occasionally, and ask small favours ; but if 
you go daily, solicit great things, and increase your re- 
quests, they will quickly grow weary of you. But what 
said Christ to his disciples 1 c Hitherto ye have asked 
nothing in my name ; ask, and ye shall receive, that 
your joy may be full.' Had they not already asked 
great things — that he would expound his word to them ; 
teach them to pray ; increase their faith ; but all this 
was as nothing to the Saviour, compared with the great 
things which they needed, and which he was ready to 
bestow — ' ask still more, and ye shall receive more, even 
till your wants be full.' Observe what he requires ; he 



82 PASTORAL REMINISCENCES. 

would have you ask and expect great things. Faith and 
prayer, and praise, will widen your heart to receive more 
and more of Christ's fulness. 6 Believing, ye rejoice 
with joy unspeakable and full of glory ;' if you would be 
4 joyful in hope,' then, as the means of attaining it, be 
steadfast in faith." 

I frequently saw her after this conversation, and 
although, for a time, there were appearances of her 
former depression, as the water of the sea is not imme- 
diately stilled, but moves and trembles after the storm 
is over; yet at last she became habitually calm and 
peaceful ; and whenever she felt her heart hard, and 
dead, and sad, she at once looked to Christ, and found it 
to be softened, quickened, and comforted. She always 
acknowledged that the method employed to remove her 
darkness was the only one that with her could be effect- 
ual ; and that when she became wholly discontented with 
herself and her duties, she was led renewedly to believe 
in Christ, and was sustained. Such a course she often 
recommended to her pious friends, urged its importance, 
and said, " We cannot lay too much stress upon faith, 
provided its nature be well understood; it is a vital, 
operative, victorious principle — all things are possible to 
him that believeth." 

We may derive from this little incident some profita- 
ble instruction. 

1. It should lead us to sympathize with such of Gocfs 
children as walk in darkness and see no light J who are 
"cast down and disquieted within them;" in whose 
heart God is, though they see him, and feel him, and 
hear him not. There are such, like the person whom 
we have been contemplating, who "go mourning," not 



DAUGHTER OF DEJECTION COMFORTED. 83 

only " all the day," but all the year " long ;" who have a 
wounded spirit torn with apprehensions of the malignity 
of sin, the dread of the displeasure of the Almighty, and 
the awful fear that they may be given up by him to the 
tyranny of their corruptions. When the sun is eclipsed, 
all nature appears to mourn ; so when the beams of God's 
countenance no longer shine upon his saints, all is gloomy; 
every thing without has a melancholy aspect, indicative 
of the dismal darkness within. For them, the ordin- 
ances of religion have no sweetness — prayer no delight — 
the word of God no satisfaction — mercies no impress of 
a Father's love. They seem almost to sip of that cup 
which the Son of God drank to its very dregs. Surely 
such persons should be the objects of our tenderest 
sympathy, and the subjects of our affectionate prayers. 
" Comfort ye, comfort ye my people, saith the Lord." . 
2. The means by which the subject of this narrative 
obtained light and joy, comfort and assurance, is worthy 
of notice. She relinquished entirely the point of proving 
herself a child of God as a medium of comfort ; and when 
she discovered nothing in her heart and life which de- 
served the name of holiness^ she cast herself as a help- 
less sinner upon Christ, and believed that his blood could 
cleanse her from her sins. Now is not this usually the 
best means of dispelling the spiritual darkness of the 
Christian, removing his painful doubts, and relieving his 
burdened conscience? I mean not to discourage self- 
examination, a most useful and essential duty ; nor to 
reject all evidences of grace ; marks and signs of piety 
derived from the work of sanctification in the soul. But 
may not the continued reference to these evidences, and 
the use of no other means, tend, as in the case before us, 



84 PASTORAL REMINISCENCES. 

to perplex the trembling soul, and actually to increase 
doubts and fears'? Why should Christians lose their 
time, and embarrass their minds in such methods, when 
there is such a direct, certain, and compendious way of 
obtaining peace by at once receiving Christ and his mer- 
its q . Whether their doubts be well or ill founded, they 
see the door of mercy opened, and all the blessings of the 
gospel presented to them as sinners ; they have a war- 
rant to receive them — it is their duty and their privilege. 
Let them trust in the all-sufficient Saviour who is free 
for the acceptance of all ; and learn that the foundation 
of their comfort lies, not in any good works to be per- 
formed by them, nor any consciousness of their sincerity, 
nor any experience of a work of grace upon their heart, 
but entirely in the promise of Christ, and the testimony 
of God in the gospel. If they can find no evidences, let 
them make them ; let them at once act faith in Jesus 
Christ, and they will have the best evidence in the 
Scripture, for u whosoever believeth on the Son of God^ 
hath everlasting life*" 



THE INJURED MAN SUBDUED. 85 



CHAPTER IV. 

THE INJURED MAN SUBDUED. 

— " How beautifully falls 
From human lips that blessed word, Forgive." 

No duty is more frequently enjoined in Scripture, than 
love to man ; it is made the identifying mark of the dis- 
cipleship of Jesus, the evidence of regeneration, and the 
test of character at the judgment-day. For the credit 
of religion, the honour of the Redeemer, and the good of 
the world, Christians should cultivate to a high degree 
this heavenly grace ; exhibit the spirit which shone so 
brightly in the author of Christianity, and put forth the 
excellencies of love in all their vigour, fulness, and har- 
mony. Every faithful pastor will delight to promote 
this pure and godlike temper ; as a man and a preacher 
of love, he will exemplify it both by his discourses and 
his example ; sensible how much it is connected with his 
usefulness, he will labour to bring his flock into the 
closest union ; and if he see a pure, refined, pervading 
sympathy among them, he will rejoice, " thank God, and 
take courage." But on the contrary, how much is his 
heart grieved, if he see them in any degree alienated 
from each other, estranged by cold and distant formali- 
ties, divided and contentious, evincing a spirit of rancour 
and malice ! No duty is more painful and difficult to 
him, than to reconcile such differences ; often does he 
5* 



86 PASTORAL REMINISCENCES. 

fail, and exclaim with the Psalmist, " I labour for peace, 
but when I speak unto them thereof, they make them 
read j to battle." But if he persevere in the spirit of 
wisdom and forbearance, he may attain the fulfilment of 
the^promise ; " Blessed are the peacemakers, for they 
shall be called the children of God." Happy will he be, 
if he can persuade any to love their enemies, and to bury 
in forgetfulness all their hostilities. 

An instance, not to be forgotten, of an injury received 
by one of the members of the church of which I was 
pastor, led to the following interview and conversation. 

He had been falsely reproached, and greatly calumni- 
ated — accused of things which he had never done, injured 
in his property and prospects, and made to feel that 
his character was in danger of being seriously aifected. 
He was a man of warm temperament, and perhaps at 
this time kept not as strict a guard over his feelings as 
he should have done. He sent for me a few days before 
the Communion. I found him so much under the influ- 
ence of strong excitement in remembrance of his injury, 
that for a ' minute or two he could utter nothing ; at 
length, becoming calm, he said, " You have heard all 
that has occurred ; I have been injuriously used, and 
cruelly treated, without provocation or cause ; I have 
sent for you to enquire whether in these circumstances, 
I should on the next Sabbath partake of the Lord's Sup- 
per." 

" If you are sure that you have no hatred or ill-will 
towards those who have offended you, I should advise 
you to come ; it is an ordinance well calculated to calm 
the mind, and, exhibiting Christ as dying for his ene- 
mies, to inspire us with something of his spirit. But I 



THE INJURED MAN SUBDUED. 87 

am free to say, that the hands which are to be lifted up, 
and the hearts that are to be brought to the Lord's table 
must be ' without wrath ;' those who are living in anger, 
who are implacable and unmerciful, proud and resentful, 
unwilling to ask, and reluctant to grant forgiveness, have 
- no part in this matter ;' they have a temper which 
utterly excludes them — if they be deficient in a spirit of 
charity, and suffer the venom of malice to rankle in their 
hearts, they cannot spiritually eat of the Lord's body, 
nor have communion with him at his feast, nor partake 
of his benefits." 

" I hope that I do not belong to the number of the 
malicious, though I confess that I am very much hurt — 
it is a severe trial to be so treated, and by some who 
professed to be my friends." 

" It is indeed a trial ; but we should recollect that the 
servants of God, in all ages, have been reproached and 
slandered. How falsely Joseph was accused by the wife 
of Potiphar, David by Doeg, and Job by his pretended 
friends ! Naboth was accused of blasphemy, Elijah of 
being ■ the troubler of Israel,' Jeremiah of being the 
instigator of sedition, and Paul and his fellow apostles of 
being the deceivers and deluders of the people. You 
know how greatly reproached, falsely accused, and cru- 
elly persecuted, was our blessed Redeemer. Indeed, I 
suppose that there is no Christian who will not have 
cause, sooner or later, to say, ' false witnesses did rise 
up ; they laid to my charge things that I knew not.' 
The religion of Jesus could not exist in the world, unless 
his disciples were patient in bearing reproaches. With 
respect to those who have injured us, we have, from our 
Saviour, express direction of the manner in which we 



88 PASTORAL REMINISCENCES. 

should treat them. — ' I say unto you, love your ene- 
mies.' " 

" Love them ! how can I do it?" 

" You can, my friend, the grace of God assisting you ; 
it has been done by others ; it is now done by thousands 
of Christians who have made this high attainment, and 
are enjoying the fruit of it, a calm peace of mind. But 
do not misunderstand the duty ; it is not, of course, a 
love of complacency, like that which you have for your 
relatives and friends ; not a love of esteem, which arises 
from a perception of the excellencies of character — this 
would be a contradiction to nature and reason — but a 
love of benevolence, which inclines us to seek the happi- 
ness of our enemies, and to promote their welfare 5 to do 
them such beneficent offices as are within our power ; to 
return good for evil, kindness for injuries, favours for 
provocations. Nothing is intimated which requires ap- 
probation, good opinion, esteem, or complacency. Many 
from wrong conception of the duty, and the misrepre- 
sentation of it to themselves and others, have supposed 
that it was beyond our reach in the present state of 
human nature, and have exclaimed in despair, l it is im- 
possible to perform it.' But as I have defined it, there 
is nothing but what is purely magnanimous ; nothing 
that is inconsistent with the prevention or reparation of 
injuries ; nothing which forbids us to provide for our 
safety, or preserve our rights ; nothing which prevents 
us from thinking of men as they appear in their charac- 
ter and actions, and commending or condemning them, 
according to the judgment of truth, equity, and candour. 
Whatever their character or actions may be ; whether 
they be worthy of esteem or disesteem ; whether they be 



THE INJURED MAN SUBDUED. 89 

righteous or unrighteous, peaceable or turbulent, kind 
or cruel, we are bound to exercise towards them the sin- 
cerest benevolence." 

" But how is this benevolence evinced ? what is im- 
plied in it?" 

" It implies the banishment from the heart of all ill- 
will and rancour ; of that c leaven of malice' of which 
the apostle speaks ; and which is so termed, because it 
ferments and spreads, sours the temper, and affects the 
whole soul. There are those who show no enmity by 
words or actions, who secretly indulge a malicious spirit, 
brood over their injuries in wrathful silence, and inwardly 
desire the destruction of those who have inflicted them. 
What mortal enemies to themselves are such men ! we 
might as well expect quietude and comfort in a haunt of 
banditti, or in a den of wild beasts, as in such hearts. 
To love our enemy is, as far as possible, to be kind to 
him. If we meet him, and pass him hj with manifest 
scorn, delight in talking of his failings, and lowering 
him in the estimation of others, show ill-will to his rela- 
tives on his account, watch for an opportunity to perform 
some little act of annoyance tOAvards him, and feel grati- 
fied at the thought that we have given him pain or 
trouble, Ave show no benevolence ; we indulge a spirit of 
revenge. If we take delight in his misconduct ; in view- 
ing him blasting his reputation, and ruining his interest ; 
in seeing himself injured in the way in which he injured 
us ; we do not exercise benevolence, but unkindness and 
revenge. If you would obey the precept of the Saviour, 
you must act in a manner just the reverse. Is your 
enemy sick and languishing, and is it in your power to 
cure him? you are bound to be concerned for his ill- 



90 PASTORAL REMINISCENCES. 

ness, to provide a remedy, to rescue him from the grave, 
and to save his life. — Is he defrauded, and in danger 
of losing his estate? you are not to sit still, and see 
him ruined, though he is your enemy ; discover the fraud 
and repel the force ; keep him from poverty ; be as for- 
ward in the pursuit of the thief who stole his goods as if 
the injury had been done to your friend or yourself. — 
Can you raise him to honour and preferment 1 Do it ; 
and if it can be done secretly, and without his knowledge, 
the more noble and disinterested will be the act." 

" No enemy of mine," said the injured man, " I am 
sure, would thus act towards me." 

" Grant it — but is your disposition to be influenced 
and regulated by his temper 1 If he has acted wrong- 
fully, can this be a reason for your acting sinfully 1 If 
he has been unreasonable and perverse, must you follow 
his example ? His conduct, be it what it may, cannot 
in any degree cancel your obligations to obey the Sa- 
viour's command, 6 Do good to them that hate you.' " 

" But no opportunity is offered to me to do good to 
my enemies ; they are not in poverty and need not my 
relief, nor in danger and need not my protection, nor in 
habits of intercourse with me to make known their wants." 

" There is one thing of theirs, my friend, which you 
have in your possession, which is dearer to them than 
gold or silver — perhaps than life itself; in their estima- 
tion, the brightest jewel in their crown." 

"What is that? I know not that I possess any 
thing of theirs." 

"It is their character and reputation. Whenever, 
then, you enquire how you can do good to your enemies, 
separated, and enjoying no intercourse with them, learn 



THE INJURED MAN SUBDUED. 91 

that you can do it by refraining, as far as is consistent 
with justice, from speaking ill of them ; by keeping 
silence on the subject of their injuries, if you can say 
nothing of their virtues. David seemed to act thus ; ' I 
was dumb, and opened not my mouth' — to complain of 
God or of his own foes, 'because thou didst it.' It is 
said of our Saviour ; ■ he was oppressed and afflicted, yet 
he opened not his mouth to complain of his enemies.' — 
How very valuable is such conduct under provocations 
and persecutions ! Speak well of your friends — say 
nothing of your enemies. Who ever injured himself by 
refraining to speak ill of others ? Be silent, then, upon 
principle, with regard to your enemies, and often pray 
with David : ' Keep Thou the door of my lips.' " 

" It will be very difficult, habitually, to say nothing 
on this subject ; it will need great self-denial and watch- 
fulness, and require much of the spirit of Him who ' an- 
swered not a word' to the taunting questions of Pilate 
and the Jews ; who, ' as a sheep before her shearers was 
dumb, and. opened not His mouth.' I know how useful 
silence is in repressing anger, and quenching the flames 
of wrath ; how often it disarms opposition, smoothes irri- 
tation, and allays resentment. ! that I may from the 
heart make the resolution of David : Q I will take heed 
to my ways that I sin not with my tongue !' — But is this 
all that is comprehended in the command of the Saviour, 
c love your enemies,' " 

"No! it also includes prayer for them; • pray for 
those who despitefully use and persecute you.' By 
prayer we bring God into the scene, acknowledge that 
we ourselves cannot do enough for our enemies, and call 
in his assistance to complete the kindness ; sensible that 



92 PASTORAL REMINISCENCES. 

our own means are inefficient, we repair to Infinity, and 
invoke the Omnipotent, out of his abundant fulness, to 
shed down upon them all temporal and spiritual bless- 
ings. When we pray for ourselves, we are influenced 
by a regard to our own happiness, and may be only 
under the influence of self-love ; but when we supplicate 
as earnestly for an enemy as we do for our own souls, 
and strive with c strong cryings and tears,' to make God 
his friend who will not himself be our friend, then we 
have such a love as reaches to the very heavens. — Be- 
sides, prayer for a foe, if it be sincere and heartfelt, 
will be accompanied with efforts to promote his happi- 
ness ; if not, it is gross inconsistency, an affront to the 
throne of grace ; a criminal removal of what is our duty 
wholly upon another ; is saying, ' God may pardon and 
relieve you, I will not.' Careful, then, should we be, 
how we pray for our enemies ; careful to have our con- 
duct to correspond with our intercession." 

" But is not this duty to our enemies to be performed 
only upon the condition of their repentance?" 

" O ! no ! Did our Saviour wait for the repentance of 
his enemies before he loved them 1 before he offered that 
touching prayer, c Father, forgive them, for they know 
not what they do-?'" 

" But there is a passage in Luke, which I have always 
supposed taught the necessity of this condition ; • If thy 
brother trespass against thee, rebuke him, and if he re- 
pent, forgive him. And if he trespass against thee seven 
times in a day, and seven times in a day turn again to 
thee saying, I repent, thou shalt forgive him.' " 

u This passage, it seems to me, has been much misap- 
prehended ; and wrongly interpreted, has prevented many 



THE INJURED MAN SUBDUED. 93 

from extending love to their enemies. — Forgiveness to 
others appears to be used in two senses in Scripture. 
In the first it simply means abstinence from revenge, a 
general remission of the penalty of the offence ; in this 
sense it is to be extended to all who are hostile to us, 
whatever may be their qualities or their conduct. It is 
used also in a more restricted sense for reconciliation 
after a breach of friendship. Every thing in the con- 
nexion, and in the passage itself, implies that the words 
which you have quoted, should be taken in this latter 
sense ; that the forgiveness there spoken of, means a 
reception to our friendship of those who had offended us, 
a cordial admission of them again to our confidence and 
affection. For this, they are, of course not qualified, 
until they acknowledge their conduct, and lay aside their 
enmity. You are not bound, in this sense, to forgive 
those who were once your friends who have wilfully in- 
jured you, until they confess their error, and give indi- 
cation of repentance. But all this is different from that 
love which is enjoined by the Saviour ; that good will 
and benevolence which we should exercise to those who 
are still our enemies, retain their enmity, and pursue it 
to our injury." 

" You speak of confessing errors, and asking forgive- 
ness. Should not Christians be peculiarly attentive in 
acting thus towards those whom they have injured?" 

" They should perform the duty promptly and without 
hesitation. If they have done injury, they should at 
once repair it ; if they have defamed the character of 
another, they should immediately remove the cloud which 
rests upon his reputation. Such restitution is an es- 
sential part of repentance, and therefore, as necessary 



94 PASTORAL REMINISCENCES. 

for salvation as the restitution of property unjustly ac- 
quired." 

" If we are to love our enemies only on the condition 
of their repentance, there would not be much difficulty 
in performing the duty." 

" Neither much difficulty, nor, it appears to me, very 
much virtue. Let your enemy come and fall down be- 
fore you, acknowledge your infallibility, confess that 
blame is to be imputed entirely to him, humbly beg you 
to forgive him, and promise never to repeat the act ; and 
who would not forgive 1 who would be so hard-hearted 
as to refuse to pardon 1 — No ! we must love those who 
are now our enemies, and who, far from repenting, retain 
their enmity ; do good to those who are not only aliena- 
ted, but who hate us, and will not lay aside their hatred ; 
pray for those who are now cruelly persecuting us, and 
who would take away our character, property and life." 

" It is a hard saying ; who can hear it? a hard com- 
mand ; who can obey it?" 

" It is. Man is naturally a vindictive being, and con- 
sequently nothing is more difficult for him than to forgive 
injuries ; but it is the command of him who is ' the true 
and faithful witness,' ' love your enemies ;' and if we 
have strong affection to him, we may have benevolence 
to them." 

" We have, I believe, several instances in Scripture 
of the forgiveness of enemies, showing that the duty is 
practicable." 

" We have many, and some quite striking. What 
provocations had Joseph received from his brethren — but 
he scarcely mentions the crime, so eager is he to an- 
nounce the pardon ; he said, c I am Joseph, your brother, 



THE INJURED MAN SUBDUED. 95 

whom ye sold into Egypt — now, therefore, be not angry nor 
grieved with yourselves that ye sold me hither ; for God 
did send me before you to preserve life.' How fervently 
did Moses intercede for those who rebelled against him, 
and threatened to stone him, and how cordially did he 
forgive them ! How nobly did Paul and his fellow-apos- 
tles act ; ' being reviled, we bless ; being persecuted, we 
suffer it ; being defamed, we entreat.' Consider Ste- 
phen dying under the stones which were thrown upon 
him — he more than pardons — he prays ; he seems to be 
more concerned for them than for himself; kneeling 
down he cries, c Lord, lay not this sin to their charge.' 
These are only a few of the many examples found in 
Scripture ; but enough to teach you that the duty can 
be performed." 

" But how much better when there is no occasion for 
forgiveness. Happy are they who have no enemies." 

" I should rather say, my friend, happy are they who 
have enemies, and who forgive and love them. They 
seem to be necessary for us ; they make a strict search 
into our conduct, discover many imperfections of our 
temper ; and though they exaggerate them through mal- 
ice, and set them in too strong a light, yet for what they 
say there may often be some foundation. We ought not, 
then, to be entirely insensible to their railings ; for they 
may say something out of ill-will that may be of impor- 
tance for us to think of coolly in our retirement ; may do 
us more good than ill, and lead us to discover something 
in our dispositions and habits which we had never before 
perceived. Our friends, like our hearts, often flatter us ; 
they see not our faults, or conceal them, or soften them 
by their representations. Our enemies see and under- 



96 PASTORAL REMINISCENCES. 

stand more of our imperfections, and uncharitably spread 
them abroad. The love of the former is blind ; the 
ill-will and malice of the latter are active, inquisitive, 
and quick-sighted. What a blessing to have our eyes 
opened, to see our defects, even though it be through the 
instrumentality of enemies ! Unless we had them, we 
should want the opportunity of displaying our patience, 
and exhibiting that essential grace, Christian forgiveness. 
God has permitted them to afflict his children, and they 
can proceed no farther in their injurious treatment than 
Divine wisdom allows." 

u Such a view of the subject is calculated to calm the 
mind ; sincere and heartfelt forgiveness, (if it can be 
practised,) must be productive of happiness and peace." 

" There is no doubt of it. By the magnanimity of 
forgiveness and love, we gain a glorious victory over our 
wrathful and violent passions ; in yielding to which we 
often suffer more than from the injuries which we have 
received. But if we indulge our resentment, we put it 
in the power of our enemy to gall and embitter our 
mind — he fixes a dart within us which in vain we endeav- 
our to pull out, and by every effort which we make to 
extract it, w T e exasperate and inflame the sore. It has 
often been said, ' revenge is sweet,' but to a calm, con- 
siderate, and pious mind, patience and forgiveness are 
infinitely sweeter, and afford more rational, solid, and 
durable enjoyment. c There is no torment in love.' 
To be ' kindly affectioned' towards all, to bear no ill- 
will, and indulge no malice — this is peace of mind — this 
is happiness. How calm, composed, and cheerful is that 
heart, where forgiveness of injuries is the presiding spirit; 
where love to God has produced benevolence to man, and 



THE INJURED MAN SUBDUED. 97 

subjugated the temper to the obedience of charity ! 
Surely, we cannot be indifferent to our own comfort ; we 
cannot regard it as a matter of no moment, whether our 
bosom be the seat of quietude or agitation. Surely, if, 
as Christians, we desire the testimony of adoption, strong 
faith and love, growth in grace, joy and peace in believ- 
ing, we must cultivate this spirit of forgiveness." 

" I desire all necessary information on this subject — 
are there any other precepts in Scripture relating to if?" 

" There are many, besides the command of the Sa- 
viour. ' Be ye kind, tender-hearted, forgiving one 
another, even as God, for Christ's sake, hath forgiven 
you ; be ye therefore followers of God, as dear chil- 
dren.' — i If ye forgive men their trespasses, your heav- 
enly Father will also forgive your trespasses ; but if ye 
forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your heav- 
enly Father forgive your trespasses.' — To keep this 
duty always fresh upon our minds, our Redeemer incor- 
porates it in the Lord's Prayer ; and if from our hearts 
we do not forgive our enemies, every time we use this 
prayer we imprecate eternal perdition on our souls. 
* Put on, therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, 
bowels of mercy, kindness, humbleness of mind, meek- 
ness, long-suffering, forbearing one another, and forgiv- 
ing one another, if any man have a quarrel against any ; 
even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.' — ■ Dearly 
beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place 
unto wrath, for it is written, vengeance is mine ; I will 
repay, saith the Lord : therefore, if thine enemy hun- 
ger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink; for by so 
doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head. Be not 
overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.' " 



tfo PASTORAL REMINISCENCES. 

" c Heap coals of fire on his head !' — this, it seems to 
me, is the infliction of the severest punishment, rather 
than the conferment of benefits." 

u No ! the expression implies not an evil but a bene- 
ficial effect. It is supposed to be a metaphor taken from 
the smelting of metals when the ore is placed into the 
furnace, and fire put both under and over, that the metal 
may be melted ; and therefore teaches us, that kind 
treatment will have a gracious influence upon our enemy, 
and be the means of melting down his heart into peni- 
tence, gratitude and love. — ' Overcome evil with good ;' 
that is, however frequently your adversary may grieve 
or injure you, always pay him with benefits. An enemy 
is more easily overcome by kindness than hostility. 
Against the latter, he arms himself, and summons all 
his power ; but when he views the former, and sees his 
adversary returning good for evil, and blessings for 
curses, his mind relaxes, his wicked passions have no 
longer an incentive, his turbid feelings are calmed, rea- 
son predominates, conscience is permitted to speak, he 
is disarmed, and the weapons fall from his hand ; he be- 
holds, in him whom he has injured, a magnanimity which 
leads him not merely to cease his insults, but to wonder 
and admire. The kindness of David overcame Saul, and 
the meekness of Jacob melted the heart of Esau. ! 
my friend, how noble and dignified it is to be thus supe- 
rior to all injuries and insults !" 

u It is, indeed. Would that I could attain such a 
spirit — that by my patience, forbearance, and kindness, 
I could subdue my enemies ! How superior is the spirit 
of love to that of revenge !" 

" But as, I trust, you will go to the table of the Lord 



THE INJURED MAN SUBDUED. 09 

on the next Sabbath, it is desirable that you should 
especially contemplate the example of the Saviour, and 
be influenced by a sense of his grace to forgive your ene- 
mies. His love, beyond any thing else — beyond all sim- 
ple instructions, all abstract reasonings, all awful threat- 
enings — invites, urges, constrains to the performance of 
this duty. He endured every kind of insult when he was 
on earth ; but when c reviled, he reviled not again, but 
committed himself to him who judge th righteously.' 
When engaged in the discharge of his ministry, he was 
accused of the greatest crimes, and branded with the 
blackest names. At the close of his life, he was appre- 
hended as a traitor, and condemned as a malefactor. 
His executioners poured contempt upon all his venerable 
offices ; as a king, they derided him by putting a mock 
sceptre into his hand, and crowning him with thorns, 
instead of a diadem ; they vilified his prophetic office by 
covering his eyes, striking his head, and asking in cruel 
derision, ' who is it that smote thee V they cast reproach 
upon his priestly undertaking, when, with malicious irony, 
they exclaimed, ■ he saved others, himself he cannot 
save.' To render his infamy public, they hung him 
upon the cross, and exposed him to the gazing eyes and 
contumelious scoffs of spectators ; yet he bore it ail pa- 
tiently, and * opened not his mouth.' At the closing 
scene, he did ' open his mouth ;' and did he ask that the 
thunders of God should be sent forth, and blast his ene- 
mies to endless perdition? No! lest the judge of all 
should pour upon them his fury, he cried, ' Father, for- 
give them, for they know not what they do.' Here 
learn your duty to your enemies. You have said that it 
is a great injury which you have received ; but how tri- 



100 PASTORAL REMINISCENCES. 

fling^ compared with what the Son of God endured ! 
You complain that it was inflicted by the hand of those 
whom you trusted and loved ; but what was your most 
ardent affection in comparison with what Jesus felt for 
his murderers ! You speak of your injuries being multi- 
plied, reiterated, and persevering ; but the Saviour was 
pursued with ferocious cruelty from the manger to the 
cross. Say, 

' Now let my pains be all forgot, 

My heart no more repine ; 
My injuries are not worth a thought, 
When, Lord, compared with thine.' " 

Our conversation on this subject now ceased. I wished 
to direct his attention to the duties preparatory to the 
Lord's Supper, and to their necessity for a profitable com- 
munion. I remarked that the experience of all true 
Christians testifies, that when they entirely omit these 
duties, or perform them with indifference, they derive 
little or no benefit from the ordinance ; and on the con- 
trary, the same experience testifies that when at the 
sacrament they find a reconciled God and a present Re- 
deemer ; when they feel the Divine love shed abroad in 
their hearts, and an anticipated heaven in their souls ; 
when they find their holy desires strengthened, and their 
pious resolutions confirmed ; when they are lifted above 
the world, and have high communion with God, such 
seasons were preceded by a preparation that was strict, 
and a self-examination that was deep. — Among other 
duties which with us frequently preceded the Commu- 
nion, was the religious fast. I always liked the prac- 
tice ; and though I had difficulty in persuading the whole 



THE INJURED MAN SUBDUED. 101 

church, as such, regularly to observe it ; in influencing 
the merchant to close his counting-room, the mechanic 
his shop, and others to lay aside their secular business ; 
yet the day was usually announced, with the expectation 
that as many as possible would religiously, though pri- 
vately, regard it as a season of humiliation. I have 
reason to know that the most devout and spiritual mem- 
bers did observe it with profit to themselves and benefit 
to the church, when performed not in a legal manner, or 
for self-righteous ends ; and when they confided for accept- 
ance, not in their preparatory duties, but only in the 
righteousness of the Lord Jesus Christ. 

I said to him : " Let me urge you to attend to 
these preparatory duties to-morrow, and on the next 
day, when others will unite with you : look into your 
heart, your life, your motives ; think of all the cir- 
cumstances connected with your differences with oth- 
ers ; learn to forgive your enemies ; supplicate for them 
the Divine blessing, for nothing tends more effectually to 
subdue our resentment for particular persons than pray- 
ing for them by name ; remember, for your encourage- 
ment, what the apostle said, and use the same language, 
c I can do all things through Christ, which strengtheneth 
me ;' depend on him ; perform your duty in his strength, 
petitioning, expecting, and waiting for his grace ; and it 
will not be withheld from you." 

After a little time, he observed : " My understanding 
is convinced ; I know that it is my duty to forgive and 
love my enemies ; but my heart is so selfish, and so ready 
to resent unkindnesses, that nothing but Divine grace can 
subdue it. Pray for me, that I may ' forgive others their 
trespasses, even as my Heavenly Father forgives me.' " 
6 



102 PASTORAL REMINISCENCES. 

I left him, and found him on the next Sabbath at the 
Lord's table. The season was one of interest and 
solemnity. The " constraining love of Christ" was ex- 
hibited, and seemed to melt the hearts of believers ; to 
confirm their faith, enliven their hope, enlarge their 
charity, and quicken their languor ; Jesus manifested 
himself to his children in " the breaking of bread," com- 
municated to them his favour and grace, righteousness 
and spirit, while they communicated to him their thanks- 
giving and acceptance, penitence and love. The for- 
giveness of injuries was alluded to in the discourse ; but 
in the address at the table was in this manner urged 
and enforced : 

" My brethren, in partaking of this feast of love, 
remember what Jesus did for his foes, and learn to for- 
give and love your enemies. The sufferings which he 
endured, produced not insensibility to the interests of 
those ungrateful men who had inflicted them ; the voice 
of charity was heard from him, and the words which 
proceeded from those lips that were ready to breathe 
their last sigh, were, c Father, forgive them, for they 
know not what they do.' They deserved a different fate. 
If the murder of a fellow creature is considered a most 
heinous offence, what vengeance must not those have de- 
served, who slew ' the Prince of life?' From this ven- 
geance Jesus lifted up his voice to save them ; he asked 
the pardon not only of this sin, but of all their other 
offences ; they had treated him as a criminal — he prayed 
that they might find acceptance in the sight of God ; 
they were exulting in his destruction — he desired to 
rejoice in their salvation. When men forgive their ene- 
mies, it is often when they have lost all power of aveng- 



THE INJURED MAN SUBDUED. 103 

ing themselves ; but Jesus could now have sent forth his 
lightnings and scattered his foes. Men are sometimes 
prompted to forgive by the appearance of repentance in 
the person who has injured them ; but the lips of Christ's 
enemies were, at this moment full of cursing and bit- 
terness. Think of the time when our Lord offered this 
prayer. In the first moments after we have been injured, 
resentment is strong ; we can think of nothing but the 
ill usage which we have received ; and at once to forgive 
those who have treated us so unworthily, would appear 
to many as an act of meanness and injustice ; time must 
be given for the tempest of passion to subside, ere the 
still small voice of reason and charity can be heard. 
But it was immediately after our Lord was fixed to the 
cross, that he offered up the prayer ; the hills around 
Jerusalem had scarcely ceased echoing back the cry, 
' Away with him, away with him ; crucify him, crucify 
him,' when he said, 'Father, forgive them.' — Let this 
prayer of a dying Redeemer incline you to exercise the 
spirit of forgiveness. What fellowship have the unfor- 
giving, malicious, and revengeful, with such a Saviour ? 
and where, in their conduct, is any conformity to his 
death ? — Say not, ' I have not deserved the ill usage 
which I have met with V Did your Saviour deserve the 
insults which were heaped upon him ? — Say not, c Must I 
give my enemy such triumph over me V In forgiving 
him, you ■ heap coals of fire on his head ;' you turn his 
enmity into kindness. — Say not, 6 The spirit and the max- 
ims of the world are opposed to this temper.' I know 
it, but ' ye are not of the world, even as Christ is not of 
the world.' Shall the derision of fools have more power 
over you than the prayer of a dying Saviour ? Your 



104 PASTORAL REMINISCENCES. 

own peace will be promoted by this spirit of benevolence ; 
for no passion tortures the heart like revenge. * Blessed 
are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.' Delay 
not this duty — at once suppress all resentful feelings. 
Pride may demand the submission of an enemy, ere you 
love him ; but shall Christian charity suffer such a coun- 
sellor to direct or impede her movements 1 Let us all 
possess this forgiving spirit before we lay hold of the 
consecrated symbols. We are of the number of those 
enemies for whom Jesus died, for whom he prayed, and 
whom he has reconciled to God. Place yourselves in 
imagination between your Saviour on the one side, and 
your enemies on the other ; listen to him on the cross- 
view him also on his throne of judgment ; hear him de- 
claring that those who forgive not their enemies shall 
sink into endless despair — then turn to these enemies, 
and be constrained by the charity and terrors of the 
Lord, to forgive and love them. Go to the foot of the 
cross where the bleeding Saviour pronounces the remis- 
sion of your offences, and there pardon your offending 
brethren ; there embrace your mortal enemies, and dis- 
arm them by your tears and love. The same blood 
which implores pardon for you, demands of you pardon 
for them ; and if it blot out the offences which render 
you criminal before God, it should efface all those offences 
which they have committed against you. Let us all 
look to Calvary, and while hearing the praj^er which 
Jesus makes for his murderers, let us offer it for our 
enemies : ■ Father, forgive them.' " 

A day or two after the Communion, I saw the injured 
and offended man, and found him completely subdued ; 
ready to extend forgiveness to his enemies ; to love and 



THE INJURED MAN SUBDUED. 105 

pray for them, and to do them good. He spoke of the 
participation of the Lord's Supper as being to him the 
most profitable season that he had ever enjoyed ; and ob- 
served : " After you left me last week, when you con- 
versed so fully on the subject of forgiveness, I saw, in 
all their force, the motives and reasons of the duty ; but 
I could not perform it ; there was in me an unaccounta- 
ble reluctance to forgive, but a reluctance which was my 
burden and grief; though I wept and struggled with it, 
the demon of resentment maintained his place in my 
heart. It was not until I came to the Lord's table, and 
was deeply sensible of his love in dying for sinners, and 
praying for his murderers, that I felt wrath entirely 
driven from my heart, and that I was able fully to for- 
give and love those who had injured me. I find that 
there is nothing so well calculated to touch the soul, to 
strike all the springs of action, and to affect with persua- 
sive energy, as theiove of Christ. When that was ex- 
hibited and applied by the Holy Spirit, every power of 
my soul seemed to spring forward to glorify the Re- 
deemer. I thought, c Did he who is high above all height, 
humble himself to be made of a woman, and born in a 
stable, that he might admit me into the family of God ; 
and shall I ever look down with contempt upon others, 
or entertain of myself haughty and arrogant thoughts 1 
Was all manner of evil spoken of him — his name vilified 
by blasphemous tongues — his conduct blackened by the 
foulest aspersions ; and shall I be unwilling to bear re- 
proaches and persecutions, and to bear them, as he did, 
with patience and meekness? Did he lay down his 
precious life for his enemies ; and shall not I suffer for 
my enemies all that is required, and learn, like him, to 



106 PASTORAL REMINISCENCES. 

rejoice in conferring benefits upon them 1 Did he, when 
contending with innumerable woes upon the cross, pray 
for his executioners, and shelter them against the Divine 
anger ; and shall not I oifer the same prayer, ' Father, 
forgive them.' — Such were my thoughts and meditations 
at the Lord's table, and, through the grace of the Re- 
deemer, I forgave from my heart all the wrongs and 
injuries which had been done to me ; and through the 
same grace, I hope to carry out in my future conduct 
the principles there felt, the vows there made, the pray- 
ers there offered." 

I replied to him : " I do not wonder at the effect which 
the love of Christ has had upon you ; it has always had 
an influence in promoting the practice of piety. When 
it is shed abroad in the soul by the Holy Spirit, it dif- 
fuses itself through every faculty, and extends to every 
duty, until the whole heart is filled with the image, and 
the whole conduct regulated by the law of love. Try, 
now, to be reconciled to your enemies — make every rea- 
sonable sacrifice for this object ; but if they refuse all 
overtures, remember that they cannot injure you, if God 
be your friend. They cannot erase your name from the 
book of life, suspend the influences of heaven, exclude 
the comforts of the Spirit, deprive you of the hopes of 
glory, or wrest from you your faith or love. They will 
indeed injure you if they can inspire you with revenge, 
and thus cause you to offend God ; but if you from the 
heart forgive and love them, they are harmless, and 
only claim your compassion and prayers. Though their 
injuries may strike and even wound you, yet these 
wounds will not fester nor corrupt, will bring little 
smart with them, readily heal by the application of 



THE INJURED MAN SUBDUED. 107 

Christian forgiveness, and leave behind them no visible 
scar." 

u I hope that I shall learn hereafter to keep a strict 
guard over my conduct ; to gain that forbearance of dis- 
position which allows of no irritation ; to acquire that 
command not only over my words and actions, but over 
my feelings and emotions, that shall make me patient 
amidst insults and injuries ; in short, as the apostle 
says, c to be angry, and sin not;' for I suppose that 
anger is a lawful passion when rigidly restrained and 
regulated. 55 

"If it is ever allowable, it must be only under very 
peculiar circumstances, (circumstances not likely often 
to occur,) and even then in none but those who have at- 
tained great mastery over themselves. It may possibly 
be allowed as a principle, but the moment it becomes 
a passion it is sinful ; persons therefore of an irritable 
temper should never permit themselves to be angry at 
all, for they can never be so but in a degree immode- 
rate and unreasonable. Very few ought to attempt it ; 
it requires not only greatness of soul, but high eminence 
in piety. It may always be exercised safely against 
ourselves ; here we cannot be guilty of undue severity, 
or of manifesting our feelings without cause. — What 
is the experience of the Christian in the indulgence of 
anger towards others 1 Seldom is his conscience in per- 
fect peace after the exercise of this passion ; he feels 
that it is too high a stimulant for his mental constitu- 
tion ; that he needs something to calm and quiet him ; 
that he is degraded in the estimation of himself, and 
lessened in the esteem of others ; that he is even de- 
prived of that honourable badge by which he is distin- 



108 PASTORAL REMINISCENCES. 

guislied from the world. To be a peacemaker ; to be 
more ready to chastise his own faults than those of 
others ; to return blessing for cursing, and to be clothed 
with humility — these are the things which distinguish 
him from a votary of the world. If others perceive that 
we are easily actuated by the risings of anger, they will 
take knowledge of us that we ' have been' any where 
and with any one but the meek and lowly Jesus. — In a 
world like this, it is exceedingly desirable that Christians^ 
by subduing the passion of resentment and cultivating 
the affection of benevolence ; by exhibiting the true dig- 
nity of religion and soaring above the petty irritations of 
life, should be careful to excite no open hostility or op- 
position. It is agreeable to what the apostle says : ' If 
it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably 
with all men'— though it be but barely possible, we should 
labour after it and be at peace with all, whether they 
may, or may not be, at peace with us. In consequence 
of the peculiar dispositions of men, enemies will natu- 
rally rise up even against those who act as wisely and 
prudently as possible. Friendship is a plant that needs 
to be cultivated with great care ; but enemies, like 
weeds, voluntarily spring up, without culture or toiL 
Let us not add to the number by our folly and miscon- 
duct ; let us do nothing to excite the ill-will, and rouse 
the enmity of others. c He that is slow to anger is bet- 
ter than the mighty , and he that ruleth his spirit than 
he that taketh a city.' — Let us avoid, as far as possi- 
ble, the company of passionate men. We learn the 
manners and drink in the spirit of those with whom we * 
are conversant ; like the chameleon, we take a tincture 
from that which is near us. The wise man's advice is 



THE INJURED MAN SUBDUED. 109 

therefore salutary : * Make no friendship with an angry 
man, and with a furious man thou shalt not go ; lest 
thou learn his ways and get a snare to thy soul.' Let 
the meek and lowly be our chosen companions ; we shall 
learn from them that none live so happily as those who 
have the government of their passions ; that none are so 
amiable as those who have the ornament of a meek and 
quiet spirit. If, in performing our duties to our fellow- 
men, we were to act upon the rule which our Saviour 
prescribes, c Do unto others as you would have others do 
to you,' how happy and useful should we be ! It is a 
rule which is easy to be understood ; which carries with 
it great evidence to the conscience ; which, when ap- 
plied, secures our neighbour from injury and ourselves 
from guilt ; which is calculated to awaken us to repent- 
ance when we have transgressed it ; which extends to all 
ranks and characters of men. Its observance would 
teach us tenderness to the unhappy ; incline us to re- 
prove with gentleness and punish with mercy ; dispose 
us never to censure others without just reason, or pub- 
lish doubtful suspicions of their guilt. O ! what a lus- 
tre would be cast on the religion of Jesus and all its 
professors, if this rule were generally observed ! But 
alas ! it lies silently in our Bibles, and we hear it not ; 
or in our bosoms and we awake it not ; we read it in 
Scripture and do not remember it, and daily injure our 
fellow-men without remorse. ! that the spirit of God 
would write this sacred law of justice more deeply and 
effectually on the tablets of our hearts ; that the religion 
of Jesus might look like itself, all amiable and holy !" 

We had some further conversation on the character of 
those who had injured him, and the means which might 
6* 



110 PASTORAL REMINISCENCES. 

be prudently employed to effect a reconciliation, and 
then separated. For several years I continued my ac- 
quaintance with him, and found that he succeeded in 
subduing his naturally hasty and violent temper ; that 
he triumphed over his adversaries by disregarding their 
injuries, or returning kindness for insults ; that he had 
acquired such a habit of self-control that he never spoke 
till he was cool, saying, the man who commands his 
tongue has no difficulty in governing his temper. He 
attributed this victory to the frequent contemplation of 
the character of Christ, and the influence which the 
Saviour's dying love had upon his soul. 

1. We perceive from the circumstance here related, 
how difficult a duty it is for a Christian to forgive 
his enemies. He who had for many years been a disci- 
ple of Jesus, acknowledged that it was the most difficult 
moral duty to which he had ever been called ; that after 
he was convinced of its justice he found that he was 
averse to its performance ; that he knew that it required 
all the humility, faith, and self-denial of which he was 
capable, to bring down his spirit to the Saviour's com- 
mand ; and that for many days he was engaged in this 
painful and continued contest, before he yielded. None 
but they who have the mind and spirit of Jesus can 
obey the precept, " love your enemies ;" nothing but 
supreme affection to God, implanted by the Holy Spirit, 
can inspire men with such benevolence as to enable them 
to obey a command so insupportable to corrupt nature. 
It is a lofty eminence, which cannot be reached without 
constant and laborious climbing ; a duty that cannot be 
performed without much resolution and watchfulness, 
many " strong cryings and tears" at a throne of grace ; 



THE INJURED MAN SUBDUED. Ill 

much self-sacrifice and painful mortification of the sins 
of the heart. But " through Christ strengthening" it 
can be performed ; many instances of the dead and the 
living attest it. — It is related of Sir Matthew Hale that 
an enemy who had done him much injury once applied 
to him for legal advice in the settlement of his estate. 
He gave the advice, and when a fee was offered, refused 
it. When afterwards asked how he could use one so 
kindly who had wronged him so grievously, he replied, 
,c I thank God that I have learned to forgive and love 
my enemies." — It was said of Archbishop Cranmer : 
,c Do my Lord of Canterbury an injury, and you make 
him a friend as long as you live." — The testimony of 
Bishop Burnet respecting Archbishop Leighton is well 
known : " After an intimate acquaintance with the 
archbishop for many years, and after being with him by 
day and by night, at home and abroad, in public and in 
private, I must say that I never heard an idle word drop 
from his lips ; I never saw him in any temper in which 
I myself would not wish to be found at death." — 
It is recorded of Fletcher of Madeley : " He was by na- 
ture a man of strong passions, and prone to anger in 
particular ; insomuch that he has frequently spent the 
greater part of the night bathed in tears, imploring vic- 
tory over his own spirit ; and he did not strive in vain. 
He did obtain the victory in a very eminent degree ; 
yea, so thoroughly had grace subdued nature, that for 
many years before his death, I believe that he was never 
observed by any one, friend or foe, to be out of temper 
on any provocation whatever." — The exhibition of for- 
giveness and benevolence in the last hours of Thomas 
Scott I have always admired, and am never weary in 



112 PASTORAL REMINISCENCES. 

reading. " His mind," says his biographer, " dwelt 
much upon love ; God is love, and he that dwelleth in 
love dwelleth in God, and God in him. Faith worketh 
by love. He seemed full of affection and tenderness to 
all around him. ( One evidence,' he said, [ I have of 
meetness for heaven. I feel much love to all mankind — 
to every man upon earth — to those who have most op- 
posed and slandered me.' To his servant he said, ' I 
thank you for all your kindness to me ; if at any time 
I have been hasty and short, forgive me, and pray to 
God to forgive me ; but lay the blame upon me, not 
upon religion.' His tender affection for us is astonish- 
ing in such a state of extreme suffering, and cuts us to 
the heart. He begged his curate to forgive him if he 
had been occasionally rough and sharp. - 1 meant it 
for your good, but like every thing of mine, it was mixed 
with sin ; impute it not, however, to my religion, but to 
my want of religion.' He is so gentle and loving — it is 
so delightful to attend upon him — that his servants, find- 
ing themselves in danger of contention which should 
wait upon him, agreed to take it by turns, that each 
might have her due share of the pleasure and benefit ; 
and yet he is continually begging our forgiveness for his 
want of patience and thankfulness. His kindness and 
affection to all who approached him were carried to the 
greatest height, and showed themselves in a singularly 
minute attention to all their feelings, and whatever might 
be for their comfort, to a degree "that was quite affecting 
— especially when he was suffering so much himself, 
often in mind, as well as in body. There was an aston- 
ishing absence of selfish feelings ; even in his worst 
hours he thought of the health of us all ; observed if we 



THE IiNJURED MAN SUBDUED. 113 

sat up long, and insisted on our retiring ; and was much 
afraid of paining or hurting us in any way. His Com- 
mentary being mentioned, he said : 6 There is one feeling 
I cannot have if I would ; those that have opposed my 
doctrine have slandered me sadly, but I cannot feel any 
resentment ; I can only love and pity them, and pray for 
their salvation. I never did feel any resentment to- 
wards them ; I only regret that I did not more ardently 
long and pray for their salvation.' " — " Here is the pa- 
tience of the saints." 

How nearly conformed to his Master was Brainard, 
and how much of the glory of Heaven was shed down 
upon him when he experienced what he records in his 
Diary : "In the evening God was pleased to grant me 
Divine sweetness in prayer ; especially in the duty of in- 
tercession. I think that I never felt so much kindness and 
love to those who, I have reason to think, are my ene- 
mies — spent an hour in prayer with great intenseness 
and freedom, and with the most soft and tender affection 
toward mankind. I longed that those who, I have rea- 
son to think, owe me ill-will, might be eternally happy. 
It seemed refreshing to think of meeting them in heaven, 
how much soever they had injured me on earth; had 
no disposition to insist upon any confession from them, 
in order to reconciliation, and the exercise of love and 
kindness to them. ! it is an emblem of heaven itself 
to love all the world with a love of kindness, forgiveness 
and benevolence ; to find our souls sedate, mild and 
meek ; to be void of all evil surmisings and suspicions, 
and scarce able to think evil of any man upon any occa- 
sion ; to find our hearts simple, open and free to those 
who look upon us with a different eye ! My soul rested 



114 PASTORAL REMINISCENCES. 

in God ; and I found I wanted no other refuge or friend. 
While my soul thus trusts in him, all things seem to be 
at peace with me, even the stones of the earth." 

We cannot forbear mentioning another instance found 
in " Pierre's Studies of Nature." " In the last war in 
Germany, a captain of cavalry was ordered out on a for- 
aging party. He put himself at the head of his troop, 
and marched to the quarter assigned him. It was a 
solitary valley, in which hardly any thing but woods 
could be seen. . In the midst of it stood a little cottage ; 
on perceiving it, he went up and knocked at the door ; 
out comes an ancient Moravian, with a beard silvered 
by age. ' Father,' says the officer, ' show me a field, 
where I may set my troopers a-foraging.' — ' Presently,' 
replied the Moravian. The good old man walked before, 
and conducted them out of the valley. After a quarter 
of an hour's march, they found a fine field of barley. 
6 There is the very thing we want,' says the captain. — 
1 Have patience for a few minutes,' replies his guide ; 
4 you shall be satisfied.' They went on, and at the dis- 
tance of about a quarter of a league farther, they arrived 
at another field of barley. The troop immediately 
dismounted, cut down the grain, trussed it up, and re- 
mounted. The officer, upon this, says to the conductor : 
■ Father, you have given yourself and us unnecessary 
trouble ; the first field was much better than this.' — 
f True,' replied the good old man ; i but it was not 
mine.' " 

This goes directly to the heart, and is an exhibition 
of the genuine spirit of religion ; a beautiful evidence of 
that love which is the " fulfilling of the law," and which 
" seeketh not her own ;" it is Christian benevolence, 



THE INJURED MAN SUBDUED. 115 

" the same mind which was in Christ Jesus " having 
him for the author, and his conduct as the model. 

The man of the world has taken pleasure in resent- 
ing an injury and exercising revenge, but the " injured 
man subdued" by the religion of Jesus has forgotten all 
wrongs and returned good for evil : 

" Some write their wrongs in marble — he more just, 
Stooped down serene and wrote them in the dust ; 
Trod under foot, the sport of every wind, 
Swept from the earth, and blotted from his mind ; 
There buried in the dust he let them lie, 
And grieved they could not 'scape tK Almighty's eye" 

2. Nothing tends so effectually to cherish love and 
forgiveness to enemies as the contemplafion of the char- 
acter and death of the Redeemer. 

The offended man, whose conduct we have considered, 
was convinced that it is one of the first duties of Chris- 
tianity to forgive those who have injured us ; but he 
could not, as he acknowledged, be brought to practise it 
until he beheld Jesus Christ as a model for his imita- 
tion ; hot until he was strongly impressed with a sense 
of his dying love could he extinguish his resentment and 
extend pardon to his foes. — Such has always been the 
influence of the love of Christ ; it persuades when all 
other arguments are ineffectual — disarms the violent 
and subdues the stubborn. We must bring our minds 
under the influence of redeeming grace, ascend the hill 
of Calvary, and gaze upon that scene of love ; and then 
our cold affections will melt, our hard hearts soften, and 
all the cruel selfishness of our nature dissolve into gen- 
tleness. We have read of martyrs forgiving their ene- 
mies and praying for them ; but where did they imbibe 



116 PASTORAL REMINISCENCES. 

this spirit 1 Where did they learn this lesson 1 Whence 
came the generous tear that dropped on the instrument 
of death, and the dying prayer, " Lord, lay not this sin 
to their charge 1" The lesson was learned at the 
cross ; the spirit was the spirit of Jesus, " which 

wrought" in them a mightily." 

• 

" How hardly man the lesson learns, 
To smile and bless the hand that spurns ; 
To see the blow, to feel the pain, 
And render only love again. 
One had it, but He came from heaven ; 
Reviled, rejected, and betrayed, 
No curse he breathed, no plaint he made ; 
But when in death's dark pang he sighed, 
Prayed for his murderers, and died." 



THE HARDENED CONVICT. 



CHAPTER V 



THE HARDENED CONVICT. 



— " Revenge we find 
The abject pleasure of an abject mind." 



The minister of Christ should delight to follow the ex- 
ample of him who came to heal the broken-hearted, to 
hush the sorrowful sighs of the prisoner, to give deliver- 
ance to the captive, and the opening of the dungeon to 
them that are bound. He will gladly enter the prison, 
and bearing the word of God in his hand, and the mes- 
sage of salvation on his lips, endeavour to do good to its 
criminal inmates, sensible that even for these guilty 
wretches there is plenteous redemption, and that through 
the agency of the Spirit they may be brought to the 
light and liberty of the sons of God. How interesting 
to pious beneficence are such scenes ! Never does the 
minister of Christ appear more like his Divine Master 
than when he is spreading blessings through such a 
receptacle of woe ; conveying religion to minds sunk in 
ignorance, and stupefied by vice ; softening the hardened 
heart, awakening the slumbering conscience, exciting the 
feeling and prayer of penitence, and opening the soul to 
all the affecting views of the Gospel. 

Especially do those who have been convicted of a cap- 
ital offence, and who are under sentence of death, require 
attention — immured within the gloomy walls of a prison, 
deprived of liberty, confined to a lonely cell, often loaded 



11 



PASTORAL REMINISCENCES. 



with irons, and just about to launch into eternity, they 
need the sympathy, prayers, and instructions of a 
Christian teacher. 

Learning that there was a person of this character in 
prison, who was soon to be executed, I sought an oppor- 
tunity of visiting the poor criminal. Without difficulty 
I gained access, and found the convict, a female of about 
twenty years of age, who had been brought up in great 
seclusion in the country, and evidently in the midst of 
much ignorance and vice. She had been tried for poi- 
soning a family, was found guilty upon the clearest evi- 
dence, and condemned to be hung in a few w^eks. Her 
appearance, even at first sight, was disagreeable and 
repulsive — on a closer view, her countenance disclosed a 
dark and sullen expression ; while a quick and rapid 
motion of the eye indicated the existence of inward feel- 
ings, which no outward art could conceal. 

I commenced the conversation by telling her that I 
had heard of her situation ; that I truly pitied her ; and 
had come to endeavour to do her good. 

She replied, " I did not know that there was a single 
person in the place who had any care or feeling for me. 
I am glad that you are come, for I am very lonely." 

" I am a minister of the gospel, and would endeavour 
to benefit your soul. I have enquired into your case, 
and find that with an impartial trial, with every oppor- 
tunity of defence, you were convicted of the awful crime 
with which you were charged, and sentenced to be hung. 
You have only a little more than a fortnight in which to 
live ; and all your time should be devoted to preparation 
for eternity, for there is no hope of your being pardoned." 

This last remark evidently affected her, and led her 



THE HARDENED CONVICT. 119 

to ask with earnestness : " O ! do you think that there is 
no hope for me V 9 

u No hope from man — no hope of escape from the pun- 
ishment of death. I have learned all the particulars, 
and assure you that you must die at the time appointed ; 
no petitions for your pardon will have any effect ; what 
the judge said, when he passed the sentence was true, 
that there is no hope of mercy for you, but at a higher 
than an earthly tribunal." 

" But I am not guilty. I never did what they charge 
me with, but I suppose that I must die. I have no 
friends to defend me, or who care for me." 

" Yes ! every thing on your trial was done to defend 
you ; but the evidence of your guilt was so clear, that 
no one doubted it. You have friends ; we who visit you 
are interested ; desire your salvation, and wish you to 
be prepared for another and better world. You have 
been condemned by an earthly tribunal ; you are also 
condemned by the law of God ; you are under its sen- 
tence and curse — c Cursed is every one that continueth 
not in all things written in the book of the law to do 
them.' If one violation of the Divine law expose you to 
a curse, what a multitude of curses are ready to fall 
upon your soul ! It was truly awful to hear an earthly 
judge commanding you to be hanged by the neck until 
you were dead, how much more terrible to hear the 
Almighty Judge pronounce that unalterable sentence, 
6 Depart, accursed, into everlasting fire.' You are soon 
to suffer the punishment of temporal death, and you are 
liable to eternal death, the vengeance of the Most High — 
c his wrath is revealed from heaven against all unright- 
eousness and ungodliness of men.' Who knows the weight 



120 



PASTORAL REMINISCENCES. 



and power of the wrath of God % At his rebuke, rocks 
melt — the earth quakes — devils tremble. How can you 
endure the severity of his vengeance — not only for a day, 
a month, or a year, but through the ages of eternity q . 
Yet this is the doom of those who know not God, and 
obey not the Gospel. ' Can thine heart endure, or thine 
hands be strong in the day that I shall deal with thee, 
saith the Lord of hosts ? I, the Lord, have spoken, and 
will do it. 5 " 

I spoke solemnly and earnestly, for I really felt for 
her ; but I perceived that these awful truths had no 
effect ; that she hardened her heart against all instruc- 
tions, warnings, and threatenings. Not objecting to 
prayer, I commended her soul to God ; but during this 
exercise, she was as unfeeling as ever — there was no 
self-reproach, no remorse for the past, no dread of the 
future. Leaving her, I was painfully dejected, and 
almost discouraged ; I indeed wondered that one in her 
state could be so utterly insensible ; one who, in a few 
days, must be in eternity, and, dying in her present state, 
must groan under the agonies of absolute despair. 

The next day I again visited her, and found her situ- 
ation the same, her feelings perfectly callous to all the 
circumstances in which she was placed. Thinking that 
she might be an atheist or infidel, I asked if she believed 
in the existence of a God. She acknowledged that there 
was a God who had created and preserved, and who 
would certainly judge her. 

" Do you believe in a future state — that your soul is 
immortal — that it will live after the body dies V y 

She answered with emphasis, "Yes, I am sure that 
my soul will live — they cannot kill that — it will live ; 



THE HARDENED CONVICT. 121 

and see and know many things, and be concerned with 
many persons." 

After these remarks, she sunk into her usual apathy. 
I endeavoured to rouse her, and, though painful to me, 
exhibited " the terrors of the Lord," thinking that these 
were needed to move and affect her. 

" You say that you believe that there is a God — he is 
almighty, and cannot be resisted ; holy, and infinitely 
hates sin ; all-seeing, and perfectly acquainted with your 
conduct — a God against whom you have sinned ;' whose 
laws you have broken ; whose mercies you have despised ; 
whose spirit you have resisted. By death, which is rap- 
idly approaching, you will be brought into the presence 
of this God ; and ! what a death is before you ! Its 
terrors are increased when it comes by violent means ; 
by the hand of the executioner, in the sight of gazing 
multitudes ; and as the wages and desert of your crimes. 
It is now no time to dissemble ; you stand on the verge 
of life — the principles of religion require you to confess 
your guilt — he only who ' confesseth and forsaketh his 
sins, shall find mercy.' Do not then die with a lie on 
your lips. You say that your soul is immortal — it must, 
then, when your body dies, go to heaven or to hell. In 
your present state, you can have no hope of the former ; 
and can you think of going to the latter 1 Can you form 
any conception of its torments ? Can you conceive what 
horror, anguish, and despair reign in that dreadful place ? 
The soul is separated from God, who alone can give hap- 
piness ; and from Christ, who alone is the Saviour of 
sinners ; and from all hope of restoration to the Divine 
favour. There is remorse of conscience — a quick and 
lively remembrance of all that occurred on earth — a 



122 



PASTORAL REMINISCENCES. 



sight, ' though afar off,' of the glories of heaven, and 
an impassible gulf between — the infliction of Divine 
wrath, termed in Scripture, the ' fierce' and c everlast- 
ing' wrath of Almighty God. He has prepared this 
punishment, and inflicts it upon his enemies — they fall 
under his strokes — they suffer it without any mitigation 
or end — they will never be weary of sinning, nor God 
ever weary of punishing. Can you bear this % In the 
language of Scripture, ' Can you stand before the indig- 
nation of the Lord ; and can you abide the fierceness of 
his anger?' " 

All was in vain — she evidently listened to me — seemed 
to understand — and may have believed me, but sullen 
apathy still marked her character ; she had not the least 
sense of awe for that God in whose presence she was so 
soon to appear. 

After a pause of some time, I turned to the consola- 
tions of the Gospel, thinking that if she would not feel in 
contemplating Jesus Christ as an Almighty Judge, she 
might be softened by considering him as a gracious Sa- 
viour. 

" If you should ask if there is any hope of your sal- 
vation, any possibility of the door of heaven being opened 
to you, I say that there is hope for sinners ; Christ, the 
all-glorious Son of God, pitied their deplorable case, and 
came into the world to relieve them ; nay, he came into 
their place, and stood in their room. Because we had 
broken the Divine law, he fulfilled it in all its perfection ; 
because we deserved punishment, he sustained it in its 
utmost extremity. He submitted to scorn, reproach, 
and persecution, though all angels were commanded to 
worship him ; he was condemned to death, the most 



THE HARDENED CONVICT. 123 

shameful and tormenting death, far more shameful, and 
unspeakably more tormenting, than the one which you 
must soon undergo ; he suffered inconceivable pains and 
anguish in his soul from the indignation of God. Here 
is your door of hope — if you feel that you are a sinner, 
a vile and worthless sinner; that you have not only 
nothing good, but much and grievous guilt, here in Christ 
there is hope. He died for the c ungodly,' the ' unjust,' 
the 'lost:' and if you were the very chief of sinners, 
that might make you unpardonable before man, but 
would be no difficulty with Christ, and should be no hin- 
drance to your believing in him. Only come as a poor, 
undone creature, and you will find him able and 'willing 
to save, even unto the uttermost ;' for he promises, ' him 
that cometh unto me I will in no wise cast out ;' be his 
guilt ever so great, I will not reject, nor deny his suit. 
Go to a great man on earth ; beg him to use his interest 
in your behalf, and he will take no notice of you ; go to 
your earthly judge or governour ; entreat him on your 
bended knees to pardon you — he cannot — must not — the 
laws forbid him — not so with Jesus Christ — tenderly 
compassionate, and infinitely condescending, he invites 
you to come to him, with the assurance that he will not 
abhor nor reject you. c It is a faithful saying, and wor- 
thy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the 
world to save sinners.' He came, not to judge or con- 
demn ; not merely to teach, but to save — that was his 
business, to save sinners, the very worst of sinners. It 
is c a faithful saying,' God's report and testimony, and 
therefore one on which you may rely ; it is true, and 
therefore you may trust it, good, and therefore it de- 
serves your attention. Observe that it is for great sin- 



124 PASTORAL REMINISCENCES. 

ners, for prison sinners, like yourself, for condemned and 
convicted sinners." 

If I could have seen the least feeling under this exhi- 
bition of God's love ; the least symptom of fear, the 
least pang of conscience, I should have been encouraged ; 
but no threat of God, no invitation of the Saviour, no 
consideration of any kind could move her. 

I thought, " Can this be a rational being capable of 
feeling ? can she believe that there is a God, and that 
her soul is immortal ? Has the Spirit so long striven 
with her, and been so long resisted, that he has entirely 
withdrawn ? If angels can weep, surely their tears must 
flow in contemplating the carelessness and insensibility 
of such an undone and ruined being." 

After remaining some time in silence, I felt that there 
was hope only in God ; and coming to his u throne of 
grace," entreated him to bring to pass, by his power, 
what the skill and wisdom of man could not effect ; to 
open her eyes, that she might see her condition ; to soften 
her heart, that she might bewail her sins ; to turn her 
course, that she might flee from the wrath to come ; to 
reveal to her his character, that she might no longer 
remain remorseless and unconcerned ; to make her, even 
at the eleventh hour, a trophy of his rich, free, and sov- 
ereign grace. 

After the prayer, observing a Bible in the cell, I 
asked if she could read ; replying in the affirmative, I 
marked the fifty-first Psalm, the fifteenth chapter of 
Luke, containing the Parable of the Prodigal Son, and 
the third chapter of the gospel by John, and entreated 
her to read them attentively, and to tell me her opinion 
of them, when I next visited her. 



THE HARDENED CONVICT. 125 

When leaving her, I met with the jailer, a pious and 
devout man, and said to him : " What should we think of 
that poor criminal ] She is to be hung in a few days, 
and yet is as insensible as a stone. I have never met 
with an instance of such perfect apathy. Is she insane? 
She cannot be an idiot, for she can read." 

" Did she tell you that she could read 1 She has been 
guilty of deliberate falsehood ; she knows not a single 
letter ; in my conversation, I have found precisely what 
you have, such hardness of heart, and searedness of con- 
science, as make me sometimes think that she is idiotic, 
and therefore not a fit subject for capital punishment. 
To-morrow the court will meet to examine that point, and 
you will be cited as a witness." 

The next day the court did meet ; I testified to her 
conduct, while I visited her ; a physician also was pres- 
ent, as a witness, who, after closely examining her, 
expressed his opinion. The court decided without hesi- 
tation that she was no idiot, but a moral and responsi- 
ble agent; that the circumstance of her being "past 
feeling," instead of a palliation, was an aggravation of 
her crimes. 

Not long after this, I was again in her cell, urging her 
to prepare for that death which was so soon to come upon 
her. When I spoke of its agonies and horrors, its con- 
sequences here, reducing the body to darkness, inactivity 
and corruption; its. consequences hereafter, conveying 
the immortal soul into eternity, there was not the least 
degree of terror or concern. I could not account for it ; 
I asked myself a hundred times, " Where there is so 
strange an effect, what is the cause 1 She is no atheist^ 
1 



126 PASTORAL REMINISCENCES. 

no disbeliever in a future state, no lunatic, nor idiot — 
what is the cause?" 

I continued visiting her almost daily. When the 
awful day arrived on which the punishment pronounced 
upon her was to be publicly inflicted, I was in the prison 
some minutes before her departure, saw her dressed for 
the occasion, and found her even cheerful at the prospect 
of death. She kneeled when I committed her soul to 
God in prayer, but refused to answer any questions — 
entered the vehicle that was to bear her to the place of 
execution, and sat upon her coffin, without emotion ; qui- 
etly surveyed the crowd as she was going to the gallows, 
and ascended the scaffold with great composure. Not a 
nerve in her body trembled. While solemnity was on 
every countenance, there was none on hers. While all 
around were weeping, not one tear was shed by her. 
Just before her arms were bound, her eyes covered, and 
the fatal cord placed around her neck, the mystery was 
solved — the oft-repeated question, " what is the cause?" 
was answered. She cried with exulting emotion \ u I am 
going to die; and when I am dead, I will haunt that 

man, J T , who was the witness against me 

at the trial, who brought me to this death. I will 
haunt him every night — Til give him no rest — Til tor- 
ment him every way till I kill him; the sooner Pm gone 
the better — he shall know the worst — he shall know it 
this very night." Her eyes glistened with joy while 
expressing her feelings — her countenance beamed with 
rapture at the thought of quickly revenging her enemy. 
She left the world with exultation and triumph. 

A few reflections are added to the foregoing narrative. 



THE. HARDENED CONVICT. 127 

1. We perceive in it the evil of superstition — of that 
kind of superstition which leads to the belief that the 
souls of the dead return to our world, visit their ac- 
quaintance, retain their former passions, and have the 
power of avenging injuries. This was the belief of the 
poor criminal whom we have considered. From her 
conversation in her last hours, and from what I learned 
afterwards, it was evident that she fully admitted the 
reality of spectres and apparitions ; that she had long 
cherished these delusions of the imagination ; that reared 
in the midst of ignorance, and deprived of a knowledge 
of Scripture, she had early imbibed this sentiment, and 
united the grossest superstition with the wildest fanati- 
cism. Such superstitious notions were the reason why 
Divine truth made no impression on her ; why she was 
regarded by some as an idiot ; and why the crime for 
which she suffered death was so coolly and deliberately 
committed. How ruinous to the understanding and heart 
are such false ideas ! How they enfetter the mind, 
corrupt the feelings, encourage ignorance, cherish vindic- 
tiveness, and even deify those passions which are the dis- 
grace of human nature ! 

2. We see strongly displayed, in the incident related, 
the nature of revenge. 

There is no passion more hostile to a man's happiness, 
and more frequently forbidden by reason and Scripture, 
than this ; and yet there is none to which the depravity 
of human nature more powerfully incites us. How much 
blood has been shed by this demon, how many thousands 
have groaned under the miseries which it has inflicted, 
what countless multitudes has it converted into ferocious 
monsters ! In the subject of this narrative, how strong 



128 PASTORAL REMINISCENCES. 

was this restless and cruel spirit — what a secret, calm, 
fixed resolution did she make to avenge herself upon one 
who she thought had injured her and caused her infamy — 
what sacrifices did she make for this purpose, what 
dark stratagems, gross deceptions, unworthy designs, 
were perpetrated to effect her object ! Every thing was 
forgotten but this — God — judgment — heaven — hell — all 
were absorbed in this ruling passion. 

The instance of the Spaniard, who sought revenge 
upon an enemy, and resolved to destroy him, has often 
been quoted. This enemy, apprized of his design, re- 
moved to another town at a distance ; but he had been 
there only a day or two, before he found that his foe had 
arrived. He removed to several parts of the kingdom 
remote from each other, but soon perceived that his 
deadly pursuer was near him. At last he went to South 
America, where he enjoyed his security but for a short 
time ; his unrelenting avenger came, and effected his 
purpose. This instance, striking as it is, is not so illus- 
trative of the power of revenge as the one before us, 
where the subject of this passion cheerfully suffered all 
the hardship of imprisonment, and on the scaffold panted 
for death, to satiate her malice, and assail, in a manner 
more than human, her hated foe. 

Who, in view of the consequences of this passion, will 
ever harbour a spirit of revenge ; attempt to wrest the 
sceptre from the hands of the Ruler of the Universe ; and 
to grasp his right and prerogative of inflicting punish- 
ment 1 Why should the soul of any be so infected as 
never to be happy until 'he has made another miserable % 

3. We learn that a calm and happy death is^ in it self *, 
no evidence of a safe departure. 



THE HARDENED CONVICT. 129 

The unhappy subject of this narrative, though guilty 
of awful crimes, had no fear of death, no anguish of con- 
science, no horror in anticipation of eternity — on the con- 
trary, she experienced peace in view of her departure, and 
emotions of rapture at the last moment. This is not a 
solitary instance ; surprising fortitude at death has been 
evinced by those who had no knowledge of the Gospel, 
and no preparation for eternity. The savage Indian, 
when taken prisoner, often endures without a groan the 
most excruciating tortures, dares his conquerors, amidst 
the bitterness of death, to do their utmost, and affects to 
triumph over every additional pang. It is a proud 
and determined obstinacy, occasioned by a desire to foil 
the gratification which a pusillanimous conduct, and an 
apparent sense of suffering might afford to his tormen- 
tors ; an obstinacy which yields him a species of mental 
revenge, when no longer able to exert his physical 
strength against his foes. Heathen superstition has often 
led its votary to submit calmly to the severest bodily 
mortifications, to remain long in postures the most pain- 
ful, and to cast himself beneath the ponderous car of his 
infernal idol ; it has caused even females to place them- 
selves, with unparalleled composure, on the funeral pile, 
until reduced to ashes with the corpses of their hus- 
bands. 

In Christian lands, the same fearlessness is sometimes 
seen, when there is no well-founded hope of heaven. 
The soldier braves the approach of death through love 
of fame ; and the fanatic, as in the case before us, greets 
it with rapture. Hume was sportive in his last hours, 
and Rousseau, contemplating his dissolution with pleas- 
ure, said, just before he expired : a c Ah ! how happy 



130 PASTORAL REMINISCENCES. 

a thing it is to die when one has no reason for re- 
morse or self-reproach." 

The Scripture no where lays stress upon the feelings 
which distinguish the hour of death, nor regards them 
as an evidence of real religion ; on the contrary, it 
directs us to a proof far more unequivocal— to the tenour 
of a holy life, spent in conformity to the word of God. 
For the want of attention to this scriptural test, the 
nature of a Christian death is often mistaken; mere 
tranquillity, or even strong hope, is not, in itself, a clear 
indication of the right state of the soul. Why should a 
different proof of the reality of religion be assumed for 
the hour of dissolution from that which is presented for 
the vigour of health ? In both cases, the excellence of 
one grace or virtue stamps not the character, but the 
possession of all the Christian graces ; the uniform and 
complete conformity of the temper and conduct to the 
sacred Scriptures. In the death-bed scene of the u De- 
vout Widow," which we have contemplated, no peculiar 
or new graces were called into action — the solemnity of 
the circumstances, and the greatness of the occasion, 
only heightened and exalted those that already existed — 
faith was more lively than usual — assurance more stead- 
fast — repentance more deep — humility more profound — 
resignation more complete — love to God more perfect — 
and obedienee to his will more conspicuous. 

Too many think that^if a man depart from the world 
willingly and without reluctance, he therefore departs 
safely ; as if death makes a complete change in his na- 
ture as well as in his condition ; as if that which is the 
vehicle to another state of being has the power to qualify 
us for that state ; as if that which conveys us to a new 



THE HARDENED CONVICT. 131 

world gives us, if we be calm and easy, a new heart, and 
transforms us into the Divine image. But there maybe 
calmness where there is no safety. In my visits to the 
beds of the dying, I have more than once seen those who 
were strangers to the power of godliness expiring with 
composure and resignation ; I have seen those who 
during life wholly neglected religion, or who disgraced 
its profession by inconsistency, leaving the world with 
exultation when I desired to see tears ; talking of joys 
unspeakable when I would rather hear the sighs of con- 
trition ; departing full of confidence and rapture when I 
wished to behold self-loathing, deep humiliation and un- 
feigned repentance. To witness such scenes is one of 
the trials of a pastor's life. If he is cheered and ani- 
mated by the sight of the Christian who in life honored 
the Redeemer, departing with " hopes full of immor- 
tality," founded upon the grace and atonement ,of Im- 
manuel, how distressing to view such death-bed scenes 
as we have described ; how afflictive to strive to remove 
the delusion, and to strive in vain ; to labour to subvert 
the foundation on which calmness and composure are 
resting, and to labour in vain ! Those who have known 
the subjects of this delusion in life, and who see them in 
death ; who compare their sentiments, character and con- 
duct then with those which are exhibited now, have lit- 
tle difficulty in tracing their quietness to its true source. 
Sometimes it is the effect of a false system of religion — 
sometimes of the vain flatteries of self-love — sometimes 
of the desire to be released from excessive pain — some- 
times of equability of temper or firmness of nerve — 
sometimes it is affectation ; and the heart is racked, 
while the deportment is calm — and sometimes it is 



132 PASTORAL REMINISCENCES. 

a punishment for the long neglect of the warning 
voice of truth ; the result of judicial blindness, in which 
God says to conscience and the spirit, a let them alone ;" 
a blindness which prevents them from seeing the preci- 
pice into which they are plunging. 

Such instances of composure in death where there has 
been no piety in life, instead of weakening, should 
strengthen our faith in the word of God ; for that word 
declares that the wicked often " have no bands in their 
death 5" it teaches, in several places and in various 
modes, by parables and direct assertions, that many who 
confidently expected heaven shall be disappointed ; in- 
timating that this expectation, and the calmness result- 
ing from itj shall extend to the last hour. 

We may be sure, then, that there is no really happy 
death but that which conducts to a happy immortality- 
no " putting off the body," if we have not ** put on the 
Lord Jesus"- — no comfort in escaping from the miseries 
of time, till we have obtained a well-grounded hope of a 
blissful immortality.— No moral truth has fewer excep- 
tions than this : " as a man lives \ so vnll he die" 



THE NAVAL APOSTATE. 133 



CHAPTER VI. 



THE NAVAL APOSTATE. 



" Flast never seen the death of th' apostate 1 
'Twas anguish, terror, darkness without bow ; 
But O ! it had a most convincing tongue, 
A potent oratory, that secured most mute attention." 



Apostasy from the religion of Christ, by an open denial 
in words, or by a virtual declaration in act, presents to 
the pious mind one of the most awful scenes that can be 
imagined. At this point of unhidden defection, men 
never arrive at once ; they descend not suddenly from a 
profession of faith to the renunciation of Christianity, 
from the full lustre of truth to the profound darkness of 
error. By gradual steps they reach this depth of im- 
piety. At first they exhibit only want of watchfulness — 
then proceed to omission of duty — then stifle the convic- 
tions of conscience ; and at length openly depart from 
God, abandon the religion which they had professed, 
deny the truths which they had believed, and indulge in 
crimes at which they once shuddered. In life they fre- 
quently suffer insupportable anguish, and in death often 
depart in horror and despair. 

All this is painfully illustrated in the following authen- 
tic narrative : 

Captain , of the United States Navy, had at- 
tained a high rank in his profession ; a rank which his 
7* 



134 PASTORAL REMINISCENCES. 

gallantry and courage richly deserved. Many things 
conspired to make him an interesting man. A mind 
naturally strong, he had well cultivated ; to the sciences 
generally he was no stranger ; for the charms of litera- 
ture he had a high relish which he loved to indulge ; and 
to his various reading he united an extensive knowledge 
of the world. There was an urbanity in his manners 
which rendered them truly fascinating ; a gentleness 
that seemed to be interwoven in their very texture. With 
such qualities it is not surprising that he was a great 
favourite among his companions, and often the very life 
of the circle in which he moved. But with all his cour- 
age as a military man, and all his accomplishments as a 
gentleman, he had no proper sense of religion ; like too 
many of his profession, he knew God only to neglect 
him, and Christianity only to oppose it. In these cir- 
cumstances deep affliction suddenly visited him, keenly 
affected a heart naturally tender, and compelled him to 
reflect upon a subject of which he had been entirely re- 
gardless. It was the means of arresting him in his 
course of gaiety, showing him the vanity of the world, 
opening his mind to enquiry, and exciting attention to 
the interests of religion. He gradually forsook his sin- 
ful habits, became in appearance a changed man, made 
an open profession of religion, and partook of the holy 
sacrament. 

As might be supposed, such a change in such a char- 
acter produced no little sensation. Among his brethren 
of the same profession it was a topic of frequent con- 
versation ; and from them, though I was many hundred 
miles from the scene, I heard of it with joyful interest. 
His companions were astonished and somewhat vexed 



THE NAVAL APOSTATE. 135 

when they found that their gay companion had become 
religious ; that he had that fault in his character which 
was not to be endured ; that his intelligence, affectionate 
manners, and gentlemanly qualities were now to be ren- 
dered almost worthless by their connexion with that un- 
solclierlike, unmannerly, ungenteel thing, religion. He 
knew their thoughts, and often heard their senti- 
ments, but bore the opposition with patience and for- 
bearance. He freely conversed with them on the 
subject, and endeavoured to convince them that the course 
which he was pursuing was not unreasonable or unbe- 
coming. I am told that he would often say to them : " I 
once, you know, thought and felt as you do ; believed 
that there was no reality in religion, and therefore neg- 
lected it ; that the Bible was the offspring of human de- 
ceit, and therefore rejected it ; but it was because I had 
not read and examined it. Millions have read it with 
care and acknowledge its truth ; among them have been 
men the most conscientious ; men who were bright lu- 
minaries of science ■; men who were admirably qualified 
to examine its nature and excellence ; men who had no 
worldly interest to serve by professing to believe it. 
When a Bacon, a Pascal, a Boyle, a Newton, a Locke 
and a Leibnitz have studied and received it as true, can 
you call yourselves impartial enquirers after truth, if 
you refuse to examine 1 I have examined it for myself, 
and believe it to be truth, most important truth. I be- 
lieve it, not because those illustrious men of whom I 
have spoken are numbered among its defenders ; not 
merely because the system itself is admirably calculated 
to exalt human nature, but because I have every where 
met with evidences of its divinity, which have fully con- 



136 PASTORAL REMINISCENCES. 

vinced my understanding. Act in like manner, and yon 
will find as many arguments rising out of the New Tes- 
tament in favour of its inspiration, as rise out of the 
works of creation in favour of the being of a God." 

In a manner the most eloquent and interesting, he 
would proceed to unfold the internal and external evi- 
dence of Christianity, so as to silence, if not to convince 
his companions. He would frea x uently answer an ob- 
jection which was made to his principles, and observe : 
" You say that religion is altogether unsuitable to our 
profession ; that it generates a timid and passive spirit, 
and that it is not calculated for forming great and illus- 
trious characters. But you err, not knowing the nature 
of Christianity. While it discourages and condemns all 
kind of brutal violence, it certainly inculcates and actu- 
ally produces dispositions and conduct the most ener- 
getic ; it is calculated to form men of peculiar courage, 
and to render them superior to every other fear but that 
of offending God, and doing injury to man. The effi- 
cacy of these principles the lives of Christians have, in 
numberless cases, displayed ; and I hesitate not to say 
that instances of active exertion, persevering labour, pa- 
tient suffering and undaunted heroism, cannot be pro- 
duced like those which have been displayed by the true 
disciples of Christ. Instead, therefore, of being unsuita- 
ble, it seems to me that the religion of the Bible is pe- 
culiarly adapted to our profession, because it tends to 
make men magnanimous and heroic, while at the same 
time it forbids all violence and injury." — While thus 
arguing, he would refer to instances where the two pro- 
fessions were happily united ; he would point to Col. 
Gardiner and others like him, who, amidst all the toils, 



THE NAVAL APOSTATE. 137 

labours, and victories of a military life, were yet " good 
soldiers of Jesus Christ," and fought none the worse be- 
cause they went to battle in the Christian armour. 

A practice to which he was once addicted, and which he 
had entirely abandoned, he often referred to in the pres- 
ence of those who sometimes indulged in it — that of 
profane swearing. " I may say to you, gentlemen, 
without giving offence — 

' Maintain your rank, vulgarity despise : 
To swear is neither brave, polite, nor wise.' 

Though some gentlemen swear, it is certainly no mark 
of gentility, for it is common to the vilest characters in 
the very lowest ranks of society ; it produces an equality 
the most disgraceful, and places the honorable, the in- 
telligent, the refined and the polished on a level with the 
most illiterate, depraved and vulgar. It is a sin to 
which there is little temptation, which displays no cour- 
age, offers no enjoyment, gratifies no sense, procures no 
riches, and has never been made the road to preferment. 
It is irrational, for many of those who indulge in it use 
language without thinking of its meaning. It is dread- 
fully impious, for it is every where forbidden in that 
Word which I have found to be God's voice ; it is 
thoughtlessly summoning the Almighty to witness our 
conduct, and to interpose his truth, justice and power in 
concerns the most trifling and wicked ; it is imprecating 
Divine wrath upon ourselves or others, merely to show 
that we are positive, or that we are merry, or that we 
are angry. Would that the practice were for ever ban- 
ished from our society ; would that all military men 
were to adopt as their motto, ' Swear not at all?" 



138 PASTORAL REMINISCENCES. 

In this manner he would reason and remonstrate with 
his companions ; and if he won none of them over to re- 
ligion, he succeeded by his arguments to silence their 
opposition. 

Nearly two years after he made a profession of reli- 
gion, and just as he had received orders to engage in 

actual service, I met with Captain . About to 

assume the command of a man-of-war, he had come to 
the naval station from which it was to sail, there to make 
preparation for a long cruise. Anxious to become per- 
sonally acquainted with one of whom I had heard so 
much, and judging, from his profession of faith, that he 
would desire and highly esteem the society of the pious, 
I made him a visit, in company with one or two religious 
friends. His conversation was interesting and instruc- 
tive. Among other topics, religion was introduced. On 
the subject of the necessity of Divine revelation, the 
evidences of Christianity, the baneful tendency of infi- 
delity, the excellency of the Christian system, compared 
with Paganism and Mahometanism, he descanted fully, 
and showed that with such themes he was intimately 
familiar \ that to defend the outworks of Christianity 
few were better qualified. But when those doctrines 
were introduced which constitute experimental and 'prac- 
tical piety; which form the spirituality of the gospel, 
which, while honourable to God, are deeply humiliating 
to man ; when the corruption of the human heart, salva- 
tion by grace, justification by faith in Christ, regenera- 
tion by the Holy Spirit, transition from spiritual death 
to spiritual life, conformity to the Divine character, and 
acquiescence to God's sovereignty were referred to, he 
evidently felt not the same interest, and expressed not 



THE NAVAL APOSTATE. 139 

the same faith ; indeed, from something that he slightly 
uttered, he seemed to think that some, at least, of these 
doctrines were strange, inconsistent, and bordering upon 
extravagance. I left him, pleased with much which I 
saw and heard ; but jet apprehensive that on some sub- 
jects of vital importance his mind was darkened ; pain- 
fully apprehensive that his heart was not supremely fixed 
on God, and might never have been renewed by the 
Divine Spirit. These fears and suspicions were confirmed 
by what afterwards took place during the short time he 
was with us. Far from seeking the society of the pious, 
he evidently shunned it ; thus attesting that the mere 
professor of religion is inclined to avoid, rather than de- 
sire, " the communion of saints." Another circumstance 
gave too much reason to fear that he was moving in a 
direction which leads to a wide departure from God. 
All real Christians love the Sabbath, prize it as the chief 
auxiliary of true religion, and highly value it as the 
principal means of spiritual improvement ; they regard 
it as the market-day of the soul, when it lays in the pro- 
vision which is to nourish and strengthen it during the 
week ; as the season when the soldier of Christ, engaged 
in warfare with the world, lies by to repair the losses he 
may have sustained, and to prepare again for action by 
renewing those Christian graces which gave him the 
victory. Such, however, were not the views and feel- 
ings of the subject of this narrative ; for on the after- 
noon of the Sabbath, instead of being in the house of 
God, engaged in the exercises of devotion, and preparing 
for the heavenly rest, he was in a different place, em- 
ployed in a different occupation — at a large dining-party, 
amid the gay and worldly, where no solemnity of prayer 



140 PASTORAL REMINISCENCES. 

or animating notes of praise were heard; where the 
introduction of religion would be regarded as intrusive 
austerity, calculated only to damp the gaiety of the 
spirits, and impair the relish of society. There many 
hours of the Lord's day were squandered by him in 
vanity and merriment, the retrospect of which could 
afford no gratification or pleasure to a pious mind. 

Soon afterwards he went to sea, and was lost from my 
sight and observation for more than two years. At the 
end of that period, he returned to the naval station from 
which he had sailed, giving his acquaintance an oppor- 
tunity of again observing his character and conduct. 
But that character which was doubtful when he left them, 
was now fixed and settled ; it was obvious to all that he 
had fallen away entirely from his Christian profession, 
and had relapsed into more than all the irreligion of his 
former life. In his principles, maxims, conversation and 
conduct, he was completely the man of the world ; all 
pretension to religion he willingly abandoned ; his bosom 
companions were the thoughtlessly irreligious, his pleas- 
ures entirely those of worldly indulgence. It was truly 
melancholy to see with what pains he made it appear 
that he was no longer a professed Christian ; truly awful 
to hear him profaning the name of that God whom he 
once professed ' to adore ; indulging in a practice for 
which he formerly reproved his companions, and attempt- 
ing to justify it by the temptations that assailed him. 
" Excuse me," he would say to those who he knew dis- 
liked the practice, " I know that I am doing wrong, but 
for some months past I have been so habituated to the 
language that I scarcely know when I use it ; and such 
is the character of those that I have commanded at sea, 



THE NAVAL APOSTATE. 141 

that I could not enforce obedience without it." For 
gratifications like these, he " made shipwreck of his pro- 
fession ;" for these he bartered away his God, his Sa- 
viour, and his soul. 

While thus pursuing a course of gaiety, striving to 
banish from his mind every thought of a future state, 
and almost succeeding in stifling the convictions of con- 
science, he was suddenly arrested by the prostration of 
his health. Other means of recovery failing, he visited, 

by the advice of his physician, the Springs of , with 

the hope of finding the waters effectual to his restoration ; 
but on his arrival, his disease, instead of being mitigated, 
daily increased, threatening to remove him soon from 
the world. He was surrounded by his friends of the 
naval profession, who truly sympathized with him, and 
tenderly ministered to the wants of his body ; but his 
soul needed relief, and they were unable to give solace 
to the troubled and wounded spirit. No blessed angel 
of peace hovered around his pillow to chase away dis- 
quieting thoughts ; no staff of the Saviour was supplied 
him on which he might securely lean to uphold him 
through " the valley of the shadow of death." When 
his associates saw him gradually sinking, and at last 
beyond all hope of recovery, and communicated to him 
the painful fact, the intelligence was received with 
alarm. But he intimated that it was not so much death 
that he feared, as the consequence resulting from it ; that 
it was not giving up his breath, or becoming insensible, 
at which he shrunk ; it was the terrible hereafter, the 
something beyond the grave at which he recoiled. He 
seemed to see sin arming the last enemy with terrors — 
and these terrors he could not defy — at the cause of 



142 PASTORAL REMINISCENCES. 

these terrors he could not trifle. His conscience, which 
had long slumbered, now awoke, and keenly afflicted him 
with fearful apprehensions of the future. It would ap- 
pear that Divine truth, which had so long been injured, 
wounded, and suppressed, was now bright and torment- 
ing. It would appear that by that terrible light which 
God sometimes sheds down into the soul, the dying 
man was overwhelmed by the realities of eternity ; that 
the remembrance of his profession of religion, and his 
awful apostacy, planted within him the daggers of re- 
morse. He said but little ; but what he did say too 
truly proved that his soul was wrung with agony ; that 
in this trying moment he found no comfort from earth, 
and no ray of consolation from heaven. On one occa- 
sion, when his countenance evinced extreme mental agi- 
tation, he suddenly, and with great emphasis, exclaimed, 
" Forsaken, forsaken !" His attendants kindly said, 

u No ! Captain , you are not forsaken ; your friends 

are here ministering to every want, and be assured, they 
will not leave you. He said, "You are kind;" and 
looking upward, repeated the word forsaken, leaving no 
doubt of his meaning. Afterwards, when he was thought 
to be almost speechless, he vehemently cried out, " De- 
serted, deserted, deserted !" and they were the 
last words which he was heard to utter. There is too 
much reason to fear that in the situation in which he 
then was, though surrounded by the tenderest earthly 
friends, he was " deserted" by Heaven ; that while be- 
yond the reach of human aid, he was criminally in de- 
spair of Divine help. He had wilfully forsaken God ; 
and God, in justice, now appeared to forsake him ; he 
had " drawn back" from the profession of Christianity ; 



THE NAVAL APOSTATE. 143 

and now the Divine threatening seemed to be fulfilled, 
" My soul shall have no pleasure in him." 

A few reflections, instead of weakening the effect of 
the foregoing narrative, may tend to increase the impres- 
sion. 

1. We perceive the danger of self-deception , and learn 
how far we may go without being truly converted to 
God. 

Like the unhappy man whose life and death we have 
contemplated, we may have a speculative knowledge of 
sacred truth, be bold champions for the Divine authority 
of the Scriptures, and present the strongest arguments 
to oppose the sceptic and convince the gainsayer. Like 
him, we may make a public profession of religion, unite 
with the visible church, forsake some outward sins, and 
practice some amiable virtues, make the most solemn 
vows, and perform many works of righteousness ; and 
yet we may want every thing that constitutes a real 
Christian ; we may want the Holy Spirit to dwell within 
us, renewing and sanctifying the heart ; humility and 
contrition of soul ; a life of faith upon the Son of God ; 
a hatred to all known sin, and an unfeigned love for con- 
tinued holiness. Many, in every age, have been deceived 
on the subject of religion ; many stars in the church, 
which for a while glittered and shone, at last set in 
darkness ; many who have been esteemed by men to be 
pious, have been accursed by the Omniscient ; many 
who, in their prayers, thanked God for their hopes of 
glory, are now bewailing their misery in the regions of 
woe. What a motive should this be, diligently to ex- 
amine the foundation of our hope, and the ground of our 



144 PASTORAL REMINISCENCES. 

confidence ! Let us not be satisfied with those appear- 
ances of piety which shall not stand the test of the judg- 
ment-day : let us impartially try our souls, sensible 
how apt we are to flatter and deceive ourselves ; let 
us lift up our voice to Him who must finally and deci- 
sively examine us ; let us implore His light and direc- 
tion, and cry with David, " Search us, O ! Lord, and 
know our ways ; try us, and know our hearts, and see if 
there be any wicked way in us, and lead us in the way 
everlasting." 

2. The means by which the subject of this narrative 
arrived at a state of apostacy, are worthy of being observ- 
ed and remembered. He first, as far as we can learn, re- 
jected the spiritual and evangelical doctrines of Scripture 
— then conformed too much to the world — then abandoned 
the society of the pious — then violated and profaned the 
Sabbath — then unnecessarily mingled with the ungodly, 
and made them his intimate associates — and at last was 
prepared for almost every species of transgression. Thus 
one iniquity committed by him prepared the way for 
another, and before he was aware of it, he was entangled 
in the snare which the enemy had spread for him ; and 
like the insect in the spider's web, lost all power of 
resistance, and fell a prey to the destroyer ; an awful 
warning to the professor of religion who retains and 
practices even one sin. The indulgence of that one sin 
will operate upon your whole moral constitution, spread 
through your soul as a deadly poison, and, in time, com- 
pletely harden your heart. What is it but the admis- 
sion of a principle which is fraught with the most dan- 
gerous consequences, that God's authority may be disre- 
garded, when conflicting with inclination ? What is it 



THE NAVAL APOSTATE. 145 

but the destruction of all resistance, and the formation 
of an evil habit which, like the mighty torrent, will, 
sooner or later, bear down before it all opposition. Pro- 
fessed Christian, escape from the servitude of that one 
sin which seems to be gaining dominion over you ; it is 
a master that will not suffer you to stand still, that is 
hurrying you forward with accelerated force — and the 
road to which it is urging you is apostacy. Return 
quickly to God, renouncing all iniquity, or you perish. 

3. What unhappiness and misery does apostacy pro- 
duce ! What misery was experienced by the distressed 
individual whom we are now contemplating, after he had 
renounced his Christian profession ! It would appear 
that he could not entirely stifle the conviction of con- 
science ; that when engaged, as he often was, in mirth 
and festivity, the voice of this inward monitor would 
be heard, recalling the past ; that his profession of reli- 
gion and dreadful apostacy would rise up in sad remem- 
brance before him, changing his visions of joy into scenes 
of anguish. He knew (for he had not entirely disbelieved 
the Bible) that there was a remedy for this remorse in 
the blood of the cross ; but upon that blood he had openly 
trampled ; that blood he had "esteemed an unholy thing ;" 
and therefore he lived and died a stranger to happiness. 
Who would exchange the peace which the gospel gives 
for remorse like this? 

4. How different is the good man's death from that 
of him who has departed from God! No forebodings of 
wrath and fiery indignation distract his soul ; his spirit 
is elevated and cheered by the lively hope of eternal life. 
You see not on his face the gloom of despair ; you hear 
not from his lips the shriek of dismay, u forsaken , de- 



146 PASTORAL REMINISCENCES. 

serted;'' on the contrary, you behold patience under suf- 
fering, calm and serene reliance upon the Redeemer, and, 
at times, even joy and triumph in his last hours. In the 
death of the apostate, you behold the sun setting in 
blackness, darkness, and tempest ; in that of the Chris- 
tian who is " faithful unto death," it descends in a serene 
sky, casting beams of comfort all around. The former 
is " driven away in his wickedness ;" the latter " hath 
hope in his death." 



AN OLD DISCirLE. 147 



CHAPTER VII. 



AN OLD DISCIPLE. 

' A bruised reed he will not break ; 
Afflictions all his children feel ; 
He wounds them for his mercy's sake, 
He wounds to heal." 



Though the church of Jesus is one bound together 
by the fellowship of sentiment and feeling, yet there is a 
diversity in its members easily perceptible upon close 
inspection. Though a strong and secret influence im- 
pels their hearts into the same direction, fills them with 
common sympathies, and binds them closely to one an- 
other ; yet their features in many respects vary ; they 
differ in their knowledge and perception, their hopes and 
pleasures, their groans and struggles. It is pleasing to 
examine this diversity, to investigate its causes \ to learn 
how far it affects the safety of their condition ; and to 
derive from the enquiry strength in weakness, relief in 
trouble, and counsel in perplexity. 

After I took the pastoral charge of , one of 

the first persons who called upon me was a man of el- 
derly and venerable appearance, whose hoary head and 
feeble step indicated an age verging towards threescore 
years and ten. He affably introduced himself, saying, 
u I have thought it unnecessary to bring any of your 
acquaintance formally to introduce me ; I am Mr. 
N ." His manner was so frank and affectionate 



148 PASTORAL REMINISCENCES. 

that my heart was instantly attracted towards him, and 
prepared at once to love him. His countenance was 
intelligent, with a sweet expression of benevolence 
mingled with what appeared to me some pensive sor- 
row. After I had returned his salutation, and told 
him that I was happy of his acquaintance, he added, 
" We are of a different profession — you of the ministe- 
rial and I of the legal profession ; we are, too, of differ- 
ent religious denominations — you in worshipping God, 
pray extempore, and I with a set form ; but I hope that 
as Christians we shall love one another as much as if 
we were called by the same name ; we welcome you to 

, and I trust you will be the means of great good ; 

you will find here a wide field of usefulness.'^ — After 
saying a little more, and apologizing for his short visit 
in consequence of an engagement, he took leave of me. 
It was not long before I returned his visit. I went at a 
time when I knew he was at leisure, was received with 
cordiality, and hailed as a brother. I soon discovered 
that he was a man of information, clear judgment, and 
much good sense ; and, in addition to this, an enlight- 
ened, devout and consistent Christian. Our conversa- 
tion was principally on that topic which was nearest his 
heart, and " out of the abundance of which his mouth 
spake" — the subject of religion. On this theme there 
was but little difference of opinion ; the same doctrines 
of the gospel were embraced by us, the same plan of 
salvation, the same views of Divine truth, the same sense 
of duty and obligation to our common Lord, and, in most 
particulars, the very same experience of spiritual piety. 
With great humility he recounted the manner in which 
he had been brought to the truth, and in substance re- 



AN OLD DISCIPLE. 149 

lated what follows : " Though an old man, I have not 
long been a disciple of the Saviour, enjoying the hopes 
that now animate me. For many years I was wholly 
blind to my condition as a sinner, and to God's charac- 
ter as my sovereign. I supposed that if I were only 
correct and decorous in my external conduct, kind and 
courteous to others, faithful in the discharge of my so- 
cial duties, that there was no ground to fear any future 
condemnation. When I afterwards added to these out- 
ward acts the observance of the forms of religion, I felt my 
conduct good and my condition safe ; though in my de- 
sires and pursuits there was not the least reference to 
the glory or will of God. And if at any time conscience 
alarmed me, its fears were quieted by an increased dili- 
gence in the use of these forms. For years I remained 
in this wretched delusion, never enquiring what were 
my views of the gospel, or my sentiments towards the 
Redeemer, or the influence of my religion on my heart 
and temper. At length I was awakened by the Spirit to 
a sense of my danger, and truly convicted of my sins. 
I well recollect how amazed I then was, when I had a 
glimpse of the Divine purity, at my utter ignorance of 
myself and of God. Never was a poor sinner so exposed 
to a view of his iniquities ; I stood before the Judge of 
the world with the guilt of them all, and with the dread- 
ful aggravations under which they were committed. 
How I prayed — how I read the Scriptures— how I used 
every means that could be thought of to procure peace ! 
But I had no rest nor hope. c Thou art weighed in the 
balance and art found wanting,' seemed to be written 
upon every thing which I did." 
8 



150 PASTORAL REMINISCENCES. 

" But why did you not go to your minister and ask 
him to direct you in the way of salvation?" 

u Ah ! my dear sir ; there was at that time very lit- 
tle religion among us. If I had gone to him with a 
sorrowful countenance, with the enquiry, £ What shall I 
do to be saved V he, perhaps, could not have answered 
it ; perhaps would even have been offended. It was not 

until the Rev. Mr. L came among us that the pure 

gospel was preached here ; but since then we have had a 
succession of truly evangelical men, whose labours have 
been blessed to the conversion of many." 

u But how long did you remain in that state of fear 
and guilt?" 

" For months and months ; and though I was not sens- 
ible of it at the time, yet the course which I took drove 
me farther and farther from the gospel. I performed 
the external duties of life strictly, and attended the 
Divine ordinances regularly, with the expectation of cre- 
ating to myself a claim on the favour of God, and a plea 
for pardon ; but it only strengthened my opposition to 
the cross of Christ, and hourly made me inaccessible to 
the glad tidings of salvation. The more I advanced in 
that course, the more deeply was I involved in condem- 
nation and darkness, and it is a wonder of mercy that I 
ever returned from it. It was indeed 6 the horrible pit 
and the miry clay.' Thanks be to the Holy Spirit who 
rent the veil of ignorance from my mind, and showed me 
the artifices which I was using to rob God of his glory 
w*nd my soul of its salvation ; under his enlightening in- 
fluences my moral virtues, exercises of devotion and acts 
of charity appeared defective and polluted ; infinitely 



AN OLD DISCIPLE. 151 

disproportioned to the demands of the law, and wholly 
insufficient for recommendation to my Maker." 

" He was thus preparing you for the cordial reception 
of the gospel. But how did you at length receive hope — 
what means were employed to give comfort V* 

" After being some time in this state, sensible that I 
was only increasing my guilt, and sure that by all I was 
doing I was ' getting no better,' but like the woman in 
the gospel, ' only worse and worse,' I met with a copy 
of Davies' Sermons. At first I thought it was the Da- 
vies who preached here some years ago, who had no re- 
pute either for talents or piety, and laid the book aside ; 
but I was soon undeceived, and learned that it was the 
man of whom I had heard my father often speak, who 
preached with such power in Hanover, and who effected 
such a reformation throughout that region. I knew his 
son very well ; he was collector of our port for several 
years. Poor fellow ! he was very different from his 
father — he never read those sermons — never observed 
the Sabbath — never attended church — nor even believed 
that there was a reality in religion. When I possessed 
this book the first part which I read, and to which I 
seemed to be directed by the special providence of God, 
was the delightful sermon from the text, 'He will not 
break the bruised reed nor quench the smoking flax .' 
For the first time hope beamed upon my soul. I felt 
that I was the poor, feeble, shaking reed, and this not in 
its best condition, but crushed and broken. Such a rep- 
resentation is given in that sermon of the grace and ten- 
derness of the Redeemer that I could no longer resist 
giving myself to him. When I considered the endearing 
characters which he bears, the precious promises which 



152 PASTORAL REMINISCENCES. 

he utters, the instances of pardoning grace which he ex- 
hibits, the nature of that death which he bore, and the 
characters of those for whom he shed his blood, I hesi- 
tated not to resign myself to his arms, certain that a 
refusal would be impeaching his veracity : in the exercise 
of faith I cast entirely upon him my complaints and 
groanings, my sense of sin and feeling of helplessness, 
resolved, if I must perish, to perish at his feet. But I 
did not perish ; he spake peace to my soul, gave me * the 
garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness,' and an- 
nounced to my conscience acquittal from guilt." 

The old man, while speaking of an event so joyful, of 
a change so great, from long dejection to cheerful hope, 
was deeply affected. After a pause, he said, " This 
same passage, c he will not break the bruised reed,' now 
gives me more hope than perhaps any other passage in 
Scripture. I am weak and feeble in mind, body and 
grace, and for that reason the care and pity of Christ 
will be particularly extended to me. The weakest in- 
fant peculiarly receives the attention of the mother ; the 
tenderest plants are peculiarly watched by the gardener ; 
the feeblest lambs are carefully borne in the bosom of 
the shepherd ; and faint, weak and trembling believers 
are peculiarly under the guardianship of a gracious 
Saviour — it is his glory and delight tenderly to cherish 
the weak and feeble. It is my desire to be ever under 
his government, to submit to his sceptre, as well as to 
glory in his cross ; my chief prayer to be perfectly con- 
formed to his image ; my sincere regret that the re- 
membrance of his compassion so little melts my soul." 

After uniting in prayer, thanking God for the displays 
of his redeeming grace, and blessing him for the gift of a 



AN OLD DISCIPLE. 153 

Saviour who " breaketh not the bruised reed," we sep- 
arated ; and I returned to my study, I hope, with my 
love inflamed, and my gratitude enlivened ; animated 
with new zeal in his cause who is full of benignity and 
grace, and rejoicing that to such a sympathizing Friend 
I could have recourse under the pressure of all woes, 
and the burden of all sins. I returned, determined to 
be more tender ; to be in this respect more like my 
Saviour ; like him to regard with sympathy and love 
the heavy-laden and feeble, "the bruised reed and the 
smoking flax ;" like him to bear with their weaknesses, 
compassionate their sorrows, bind up their broken spir- 
its, and lead them to the fountain of consolation and 
peace. 

This aged saint I continued occasionally to visit, and 
with all the freedom with which I visited any of my 
own parishioners ; and the more intimate my acquaint- 
ance became, the stronger was the conviction that he 
had virtues and graces which evinced more than ordinary 
Christian principle. His peculiar probity, his scrupu- 
lous and unbending love of justice, his remarkable purity 
of spirit, refined and exalted by religion, gave him the 
name of the " honest lawyer." — " An excellent spirit was 
in him," and against him, as against Daniel, the gainsayer 
" could find none occasion nor fault, save that he was 
faithful." But that which peculiarly struck me was his 
spirituality of mind in all the concerns of life. With 
him religion was not a matter of fancy or speculation, 
but the steady, quiet, unostentatious devotion of the 
heart and conduct to God ; resting in a deep conscious- 
ness of the fallen condition of man, and animated by a 
lively faith in the Redeemer. Few more habitually cul- 



154 



PASTORAL REMINISCENCES. 



tivated communion with God. His favourite books 
which he loved to read, were the works of John Newton 
and Thomas Scott. His Bible was his daily study ; 
and the time allowed to his stated devotional exercises, 
I am told, he would never, under the impulse of pressing 
business, materially abridge. He would often urge upon 
his friends the peculiar importance of these exercises, 
and observe that such a practice, instead of hindering 
the due performance of other duties, proves the best in- 
citement to exertion, and the truest source of success. 

On one occasion, when I was with him, he spoke of 
the nature of prayer, and the great difficulty of per- 
forming it. Taking up a volume of Newton, he said : 
Ct Hear what this devout man says ; ' I can read, or 
write, or converse with a ready will ; but prayer is more 
spiritual and inward than any of these ; and the more 
spiritual any duty is, the more my carnal heart starts 
from it. 5 If such a man could use this language, how 
much greater difficulty must I have in performing the 
duty ! Yet our true happiness consists in it ; it brings 
us into the immediate presence of Him whom we love ; 
it is the direct act of communion with him ; the foretaste 
of all that we hope for hereafter ; the vision and enjoy- 
ment of God. Here there is an unspeakable peace of 
mind which is found nowhere else ; a calm resting upon 
God for the supply of every need ; a casting of all our 
burden upon a friend who is able to sustain it ; a free- 
dom from all perplexing anxieties and fears ; an exalted 
and endeared friendship with c Him whom our soul lov- 
eth.' Here, in the performance of this duty, every 
grace is exercised, every sin opposed, every blessing ob- 
tained, the whole soul strengthened. With a knowledge 



AN OLD DISCIPLE. 155 

of all these advantages, what peculiar difficulty have I 
in performing the duty—what reluctance at times even 
to attempt it 1 Besides this opposition of a corrupt na- 
ture within, Satan no doubt uses all his subtility to keep 
me from the service, knowing how much it is calculated 
to impair his kingdom. When I have overcome the 
difficulties of one day, I am assailed the next with new 
conflicts, so that the strongest and most determined reso- 
lution is necessary to ensure regularity even in the 
attempt." — Pointing to some Forms of Prayer that lay 
on the table, he added : ":I get all the assistance from 
others that I can. These you call crutches — you young 
persons, can do without them ; but such a feeble old 
man as I am has need of crutches — sometimes I get 
along without them for days and weeks ; but I always 
like to have them near me in case of necessity. Jenks' 
Devotions I prefer above all others ; for I often love to 
confine my requests to a single object ; sometimes to 
hope, sometimes to faith, humility, knowledge, love ; and 
here there are excellent prayers for each of these graces. 
But in using them I find other thoughts continually oc- 
curring which I freely present ; to such a use of them 
who can object?" — I have often thought of these re- 
marks of the venerable saint, and wonder that prejudice 
should lead so many Christians to deprive themselves of 
benefit and consolation. — " But," he continued, " David 
is of more advantage to me in this respect than any 
other writer ; there are few of his prayers which I can- 
not use and adopt as my own ; it is a rich i fountain,' 
from which I have i drawn abundantly of the waters of 
salvation.' The Psalmist's religious experience is often 
like mine — that circumstance inspires hope and affords 



156 PASTORAL REMINISCENCES. 

aid. He tells me more than any other writer in Scrip- 
ture what passed between God and his soul, and therefore 
lets me know what I may hope from God, and what he 
expects from me. "What could I do without the Psalms 
of David ? His very expressions I love to use when I 
am employed in confession, petition or thanksgiving — 
the very best words with which I can clothe my thoughts 
— l sound speech that cannot be condemned' — c words 
which the Holy Ghost teacheth.' " 

Another striking peculiarity which distinguished our 
aged friend, and which was visible to all his acquaintance, 
was freedom from bigotry and religious prejudice. He 
had no such overweening attachment to his own opin- 
ions as alienated his affection from Christians of another 
name ; no such prejudice as prevented him from acknow- 
ledging the exhibition of moral excellence out of his own 
communion. On the contrary, there was in him a quick 
perception of " the beauties of holiness," wherever they 
appeared, and a ready acknowledgment by acts strongly 
affectionate. Occasionally he was with us in our social 
meetings for prayer, and not unfrequently at our com- 
munion table ; and instead of standing at a distance from 
those who were called by another name, he loved to as- 
sociate with them, to sympathize with them, to cultivate 
with them a spirit of unity and tenderness. Of this fra- 
ternal affection, without verging in any degree to the 
baneful extreme of an unscriptural latitudinarianism, 
without showing any indifference to truth, or toleration 
of error, he was as beautiful an example as I have ever 
met with. Often did he deplore the alienation of heart, 
and the difference in conduct which are to be found 
among the followers of Christ, speak of the evils of this 



AN OLD DISCIPLE. 15Y 

disunion, and lament that it hardened the consciences of 
the irreligious, weakened the hands of the pious, and im- 
peded the progress of truth. Frequently did he remark 
that amidst minor differences of opinion, all real Chris- 
tians held the same fundamental doctrines of the Gospel, 
and that their personal experience is every where essen- 
tially the same ; that they are all penitent for their 
transgressions, all mourning over their innate depravity, 
all looking to the same Saviour for pardon, all praying 
for the influences of the same Spirit, all striving against 
the same " body of sin," all pressing forward towards the 
same " mark of the prize of the high calling in Christ Je- 
sus ;" and that they should therefore feel a peculiar de- 
light in each other as objects of the Father's mercy, the 
Saviour's grace, and the Spirit's influences ; that they 
should associate, converse, pray and commune with each 
other, on the ground of their common relationship. 
More than once have I heard him say : "I have a hand 
of fellowship ever ready, and a heart of love ever open 
to all the true followers of the Redeemer ; and I am sure 
that just in proportion as I have increased in love to 
them, I have grown in love to my Saviour." 

But with all his excellencies of Christian character, 
this aged saint suffered more than most Christians, 
even those that are advanced in life, from religious de- 
pression. In the account which he gave me of his con- 
version, I saw nothing of it ; there were then such strong 
expressions of hope, and even joy, that I had no concep- 
tion that he was thus afflicted ; but further acquaintance 
taught me that although, like Enoch, he was striving to 
" walk with God," yet a gloom truly distressing hung 
around his path. In these circumstances, he would 
8* 



158 PASTORAL REMINISCENCES. 

sometimes send for me. On one occasion I found him 
reading the seventy-seventh psalm. u This," he observ- 
ed, u this is the picture of myself, the very conflict which 
I am maintaining with my fears and griefs, the spiritual 
trouble which deeply afflicts me — nothing can be so pain- 
ful as the suspension of God's favour, the apprehension 
of his wrath, the withholding of his promise — this wounds 
the spirit — who can bear it? In the midst of the psalm, 
David, or whoever was the author, cries, £ This is my 
infirmity 7 — this fear that 6 God will cast off and be 
favourable no more ;' that c his mercy is clean gone for 
ever,' and that ' his promise will fail for evermore ;' 
that c he hath forgotten to be gracious, and shut up his 
tender mercies' — this was his ' infirmity.' It is so 
with me — this despondency of spirit and distrust of 
God is my ' infirmity,' my calamity, affliction, cross — 
6 the sin that doth easily beset me.' ! that I could be 
freed from it !" 

" But do not forget what the Psalmist immediately 
adds : ' I will remember the works of the Lord, surely 
I will remember thy wonders of old' — consider how he 
silences his fears by the remembrance of the things which 
God had formerly done for him, and here imitate him — 
recall the time when with humbled heart you sought 
Divine mercy and was not cast off — bring to your mind 
the wonders wrought for yourself and others ; and you 
will find the recollection a powerful antidote against the 
distrust of his promise ; you will find him an unchange- 
able God who will certainly finish the work which he has 
begun. Read the psalm again. The author begins it 
with the language of the deepest penitential distress, 
almost bordering on despair, and ends it with such strong 



AN OLD DISCIPLE. 159 

confidence in God's power as causes his fears suddenly to 
vanish." 

" I ought to look on the bright side ; but I find my- 
self continually inclined to view that only which is dark 
— this is my infirmity J y 

This was his character ; he was often dejected and 
filled with distress, though his piety was unequivocal. I 
had difficulty in accounting for it. It seemed not, in his 
case, to be owing to any bodily temperament ; a cause 
which I had often seen in others, who " had more need 
of the physician than of the divine." It seemed not to 
arise from any religious error, any deficiency in his ac- 
quaintance with the doctrines of the Gospel. Some I have 
known who evidently marred their enjoyment by a mis- 
conception of these doctrines ; who passed their lives in 
sorrow because of their obscure views of the Divine 
government, the plan of redemption, and the new cove- 
nant ; because of their low conceptions of the character 
of God, as if caprice rather than faithfulness was one of 
his attributes ; as if, instead of delighting to be gracious,^ 
he was only watching, as it were, for an opportunity of 
inflicting punishment ; as if his word, to the humble and; 
tsontrite, breathed awful threatenings rather than the' 
language of invitation and encouragement, But the sub- 
ject of this narrative had just and clear views of pivine. 
truth ; of the scheme of redemption ; the terms and, in- 
tent of the covenant of grace ; the variety , extent, and 
immutability of the Divine promises ; the infinite mercy 
of God i the boundless compassion of the Saviour ; the 
full ^nd free salvation which he purchased ; the preva- 
leney of his unceasing intercession ; and the nature of 
Christian faith, hope, and joy. Nor had I any reason 



160 PASTORAL REMINISCENCES. 

to believe that latent sins, indulged and cherished, were 
the cause of this darkness. As far as man could judge, 
there was a diligent performance of all religious duties : 
private prayer, the study of the Scriptures, strict self- 
examination and devout meditation, were no doubt regu- 
larly performed — there seemed to be no worldly spirit 
cherished, no open remissness in known duty, no refusal 
to give up the heart entirely to God, no want of atten- 
tion to the cultivation of the religious affections, no heed- 
lessness on the brink of temptation, no secret drawing 
back in religion. Where there is such declension, even 
if there be no inconsistency in life, there will be in a 
tender conscience not only apprehension and doubt, but 
distressing darkness and depression ; and he is not to be 
envied who can plunge into conscious guilt, and yet be 
tranquil and cheerful. 

On this whole subject I conversed with him frequently 
and freely. On one occasion he said : I well know 
what David meant, when he exclaimed, ' Thou hidest thy 
face from me, and I am troubled' — he esteemed it the 
severest trial ; and I regard every other affliction as 
light, compared with this anguish of spirit." 

" But should you not be submissive, perhaps encour- 
aged by remembering that ' the same afflictions are ac- 
complished in your brethren that are in the world' — that 
it is the common path to heaven which all the saints 
have trod — that you can discern on this road the foot- 
steps of the ' great cloud of witnesses' who have gone 
before you — and that if you were to know the religious 
experience of believers now, you would find them all 
6 groaning, being burdened' — you find David, Jeremiah, 
Job, Isaiah, and other scriptural saints, having the same 



AN OLD DISCIPLE. 161 

thoughts, and uttering the same complaints. You do 
not sigh and tremble alone. "Where are • the hands' 
which never ' hang down,' and ' the knees' which never 
< tremble V " 

" But why is it thus V? 

"It is evidently a part of that discipline which our 
wise and Heavenly Father exercises towards his chil- 
dren ; a painful and humiliating, but yet useful probation 
through which he calls them to pass. So weak is our 
nature, so prone are we to vanity and self-dependence, 
so imperfect the progress in holiness which we make, that 
we need a constant check upon our natural tendencies to 
pride. We know what effect worldly prosperity pro- 
duces ; how it interrupts communion with God, leads the 
heart aside, and impairs the exercise of every grace. I 
have sometimes thought that we cannot enjoy for any 
length of time an uninterrupted state of spiritual pros- 
perity without being in danger of becoming puffed up 
with presumption and self-sufficiency. Paul found that 
his admission into 'the third heavens,' which we might 
naturally suppose would have bowed him to the dust in 
self-abasement, served to foment spiritual pride, so that 
he required the severe discipline of i a thorn in the flesh' 
to prevent his ' being exalted above measure.' Some 
' messenger of Satan' we need, to prevent that unsafe ela- 
tion of mind which may be occasioned by a long and 
continued attention to our high and rich privileges ; to 
bring us down to a lower region ; to check the growth of 
all self-confidence ; to teach us our entire dependence on 
God ; and to lead us to him, and to him alone, for every 
supply of grace and comfort. Besides, if God were to 
exempt us entirely from doubt and perturbation, inward 



162 



PASTORAL REMINISCENCES. 



sorrow and darkness — if he were to afford us a continued 
sunshine of religious prosperity, we should be too well 
satisfied with this state of existence ; we should feel that 
this was our rest, and that there is no need of a new 
residence, another sphere of action, and a higher source 
of enjoyment. It is a reason why we should be patiently 
submissive to this as well as to every other dispensation 
of Providence, believing that ' the Lord doeth all things 
well,' and has wise and merciful ends in permitting such 
spiritual afflictions to befal his children." 

u You do not mean that this disquieting fear and dis- 
tressing darkness are to be retained and cherished as an 
advantage?" 

" Not at all. Though they may be overruled for our 
ultimate good, they are not in themselves an advantage. 
The frame of mind after which we should aspire is a firm, 
steady, though humble hope of the pardon of our sins, 
and our acceptance with God through the merits of the 
Redeemer ; a settled peace of soul, unshaken by the 
storms of the world ; an assurance of the Divine love 
which can withstand all earthly sorrow and persecution, 
and which can be destroyed only by a sense of conscious 
guilt." 

" But are these dark fears and distressing doubts con- 
sistent with faith ?" 

" Not in general, I think, with strong faith. Nothing 
tends more to take away our doubts, to brighten our evi- 
dences, to comfort our hearts, than a vigorous faith in 
Christ, as a free and complete Saviour. This grace is 
often exhibited in Scripture in opposition to distressing 
fears. ' I will trust and not be afraid.' We read of 
the 'joy of faith,' the 'assurance of faith,' of being 



AN OLD DISCIPLE. 163 

£ filled with all joy and peace in believing,' of ' rejoicing 

by faith in Christ.' These and other passages of a 
similar nature teach us that faith and fears are in appo- 
sition to each other; that as the former declines, the 
latter prevail ; that in proportion as the former sinks in 
strength and activity, to the same degree do temptations 
assault and overpower us. As soon as we begin to dis- 
trust the power of Christ, the faithfulness of his prom- 
ises, or the absolute freeness of his grace, we are sinking. 
Thus Peter, when walking upon the water at Christ's 
command, and in his strength, was upheld as long as his 
faith in the Redeemer's power and kindness was main- 
tained ; but no sooner did he attend to the boisterous 
wind, and withdraw his dependence, than he began to 
sink. And then the tender and instructive rebuke was 
given by his master : 'O! thou of little faith, wherefore 
dost thou doubt V There is no way, then, it seems to 
me, so effectual, of having our evidences clear, our com- 
forts strong, and our darkness removed, as the imme- 
diate exercise of trust in a free and glorious Saviour ; 
the more we see of the fulness of Divine grace in him, 
the more experience we shall have of true support and 
consolation. Let me then exhort you, as I exhort 
myself in such circumstances, if you cannot look inward 
with any degree of complacency, to look upward, 
exclaiming, ' I know that my Redeemer liveth' — if you 
4 walk in darkness, and see no light,' trust ' in the name 
of the Lord Jesus,' and c stay yourself upon his right- 
eousness ;' if you are sinking under the burden of sin, 
incomparably sorer than any other distress, look by faith 
to him who i bore' your c sins in his own body on the 
tree ;' if the beams of God's countenance be suspended, 



164 PASTORAL REMINISCENCES. 

and there be no sensible comfort, 'rejoice in Christ 
Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh' — no reliance 
upon any thing of your own. Then this c thorn in the 
flesh' you may have grace to resist ; a new song may be 
put into your mouth ; - the snare is broken, and I am 
delivered.' When you enquire again, as did David, 
' Why art thou cast down, ! my soul, and w T hy art 
thou disquieted within me V you can add, as he did, c I 
shall yet praise him' — in this world, or in the world to 
come." 

" These feelings, I fear, will continue as long as I live. 
In addition to the causes that you have thought of, there 
is another reason that is peculiar to me. It was not 
until late in life that I was brought to a knowledge of the 
Saviour. My youth was spent, not in what the world 
terms immorality and vice, but yet in the forgetfulness 
of God and the neglect of his service. As an old man, 
I look back ; I am compelled to review the past, and the 
retrospect affords me no satisfaction ; I see no early exer- 
cise of faith, and hope, and love ; no early enjoyment of 
communion with God and fellowship with the saints ; no 
early peace of conscience and anticipation of glory ; but 
on the contrary, I see myself f a lover of pleasure more 
than a lover of God.' I fear that in my youthful days 
I did an irreparable injury to others, and that I drew 
many into sin by my solicitations and example. The 
retrospect makes a deep impression upon my feelings, 
awakens many a bitter pang of remorse, and compels me 
to cry out with Job, c Thou hast made me to possess the 
iniquities of my youth.' These things have prevented 
me from going ■ on my way rejoicing,' clouded my hopes, 
darkened my mind ; and will, I fear, follow me to my 
death-bed." 



AN OLD DISCIPLE. 165 

" You ought not, my friend, to dwell upon these things 
too much, but should say, 6 where sin hath abounded, grace 
doth much more abound ;' and comparing your present 
hopes, fears, tastes, and enjoyments with those which 
characterized your youth, you should look at the deci- 
sive evidences which are presented of a renewal of char- 
acter, and say, l whereas I was once blind, now I see.' 
These things afford subjects for abundant thanksgiving ; 
muse frequently upon them, and your heart may burn 
within you, and rejoice in God your Saviour. When, 
with Paul, you exclaim, ' I am the chief of sinners,' add, 
as he did, ' I know in whom I have believed.' " 

Not long after this conversation, he was called to 
endure that lingering sickness which terminated in death. 
For weeks and months he was confined to his room, and 
in the midst of " much weariness and painfulness," began 
seriously to " set his house in order," as one who was 
about to " die." The nearer he approached the eternal 
world, the more did he feel the value of his soul, and the 
more deeply was he concerned to know whether it was 
"right with God." He would sometimes say, "If I 
am wrong, I am wrong for eternity, and will soon be 
without the reach of reparation ;" and evidently felt that 
it was an awful thing to appear before the heart-search- 
ing Judge. These considerations caused a deep depres- 
sion of spirits, and showed that he had a severe conflict 
with the spiritual enemy. But an unfeigned humility 
and self-abasement, a deep-rooted abhorrence of sin, a 
patient submission to the will of God, and a simple reli- 
ance upon the Saviour of sinners, were too conspicuously 
exhibited not to arrest the attention of those around 
him. As he drew near the period of his departure, no 



166 



PASTORAL REMINISCENCES. 



peculiar consolations illumined his death — his dejection 
and darkness seemed to extend, in a degree, to the final 
scene ; but we doubt not it was a bright sun setting 
under a dark cloud, and have every reason to think that 
he died as safely as if he had expired exulting and tri- 
umphant ; and that his soul as certainly entered the 
mansions of rest as if the Holy Spirit had vouchsafed to 
him a bright vision of eternal glory, and enabled him to 
long and pant for the " crown of righteousness." While 
he is now enjoying the full manifestation of God's love, 
we cherish with delight the remembrance of his piety and 
excellence. 

" Now rejoicing in his lot, 

Pensive memory loves to weep 
O'er the venerable spot, 

Where his dear, cold relics sleep. 

Grave, the guardian of his dust, 

Grave, the treasure of the skies ; 
Every atom of thy trust, 

Rests in hope, again to rise." 

1. We are taught that the free grace of God in con- 
version is not limited to persons, or times, or circum- 
stances. In this instance it was extended to one whose 
profession is generally regarded unfavorable to piety; 
one who had long attended to the outward forms of 
religion without love to God, or faith in the Redeemer ; 
one advanced in years, and, as he often confessed, who 
had long grieved the Holy Spirit ; one who received 
pardon, not by the merit of a well-spent life, but as a 
free gift, through the righteousness of a Saviour. Thanks 
be to God, such instances are continually occurring, tes- 



AN OLD DISCIPLE. 167 

tifying that God never " leaves himself without a wit- 
ness ;" that he will always have instruments to carry on 
his work, and " a people to show forth his praise" — the 
" light of the world," to keep it from darkness, the 
" salt of the world," to keep it from corruption. 

2. The reason which the subject of this narrative often 
gave for his peculiar religious depression and spiritual 
darkness is worthy of consideration — the want of early 
piety. He always regarded it as one of the principal 
causes of the deep dejection that oppressed his mind ; 
often lamented that the best part of his days was spent 
without gratitude to God or love to the Redeemer, in 
losing so many opportunities, misimproving so many 
talents, and abusing so many privileges ; deeply regret- 
ted that he did not early engage in the business of 
religion, as he did in his secular profession, and in 
youth acquire Christian habits, obtain religious knowl- 
edge, and lead a holy life. His experience, I doubt not, is 
that of all who remember not God in the morning of their 
days, and who defer his service until the decline of life. 
It is a tender and powerful motive to the young to devote 
themselves to the Redeemer. What indeed is so lovely 
as to see youth, at the call of God, sacrificing its levity 
and selfishness, its love of pleasure and spirit of indul- 
gence, and surrendering itself at once to the happy and 
holy service of its Maker ? It is not possible to esti- 
mate too highly the importance of early piety. Those 
saints whose names shine so brightly on the sacred 
records, cultivated religion early in life, and served God 
from their youth. The Scriptures animate and encour- 
age us by the example of a Joseph, who rose superiour to 
youthful excesses, and repulsed with holy indignation 



168 PASTORAL REMINISCENCES. 

temptations to sin against God ; an Obadiah, who " fear- 
ed the Lord from his youth ;" a Samuel from his tender- 
est years serving and loving his Heavenly Friend ; a 
Josiah, "while young, seeking after the God of his 
fathers ;" a Timothy, acquainted with " the Scriptures 
from his youth," and by them " made wise unto salva- 
tion;" a John, the youngest and most beloved of the 
apostles of the Saviour. These, and others like them, 
encourage youth to tread in the happy path in which 
they walked, and to obtain that grace which is able to 
purify their hearts. None, perhaps, but those who are 
suffering the penalty of early transgressions, who have 
wasted the morning of life, and who are now called to 
" redeem the time" which they have lost or abused, can 
properly estimate the value of early religion ; none but 
those can judge of the power which the habits of youth 
exercise on the character, comforts and usefulness of 
maturer age. With what regret do they think of that 
precious season that was wasted in sin ; with what pain 
and agony does each exclaim : " What knowledge, what 
holiness might I have then obtained — what a holy and 
heavenly life might I have then led — what days and 
years of mercy did I throw away for nothing !" 

3. In his large and liberal spirit, and in his love for 
the followers of Christy the believer whose character we 
are contemplating is worthy of imitation. In this we 
have seen that he was distinguished, and by his exam- 
ple useful. God, for wise ends, has permitted the exist- 
ence of various denominations among real Christians, to 
incite them to greater diligence and circumspection ; to 
lead them mutually to watch over each other 5 to prevent 
that fatal stagnation which arises from undisturbed re- 



AN OLD DISCIPLE. 169 

pose. This division, while it should lead us to the exer- 
cise of self-diffidence and humility ; to the diligent study 
of the Holy Scriptures, and to earnest prayer to God to 
guide us into all truth; to the promotion of religion 
itself rather than its mere unessential modifications, 
should also induce us to practice forbearance and can- 
dour to all who differ from us in opinion, and serve our 
Master under another name. We should do more ; we 
should maintain with them the full force of brotherly 
affection, without allowing our differences to interrupt for 
a moment the exercise of the most entire good-will ; we 
should recognize and love them as members of the same 
body, and brethren in the same family. What churches 
we should have upon earth, if they were all governed by 
love, as the ruling principle — what an irresistible proof 
it would afford of the divinity of the religion of Jesus ! 
In the primitive ages of the church, this virtue shone so 
brightly in the character of its members, was so con- 
spicuous in all their conduct, was expressed in acts so 
noble and disinterested, as to become a proverb with the 
surrounding pagans, and call forth the well-known excla- 
mation : " See how these Christians love one another !" 
— " By this," says our Saviour, " shall all men know 
that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another" 
— a declaration that this is to be a peculiar proof to the 
world that we are Christians — the touchstone by which 
we are to be examined and known. This love has pre- 
vailed in all periods, as religion has prevailed, and 
declined as religion has declined. It is a cardinal virtue 
in the character of Christians, and the law which is to 
regulate all their conduct to each other. Its strength 
and degree are distinctly noticed by the Saviour, and his 



170 PASTORAL REMINISCENCES. 

own conduct exhibited as the pattern — " ye should love 
one another as I have loved you. " His affection for us was 
real as well as nominal, so should be ours to his disciples — 
his was pure and disinterested, so should be ours — his 
was a love of forbearance and forgiveness, so should be 
ours — his was unchangeable, notwithstanding our weak- 
ness ; so should be ours to our fellow Christians, notwith- 
standing their infirmities of temper and conduct. Wea- 
ried with the jar of endless controversy in the church on 
earth, the spiritually minded Christian often looks away 
to that heavenly state, where he can breathe an atmo- 
sphere which is never ruffled by the agitation of contest ; 
and longs for the undisturbed serenity of a world which 
affords no temptation to the exercise of an unhallowed 
disposition ; where, from the infinite source of wisdom, 
he can drink in the full tide of knowledge, and from the 
fountain of peace derive a temper, the very reverse of 
alienation of affection and disunion of hearts — the temper 
of love. — u I am meditating," said the dying Hooker, 
" on the number and nature of angels, and their blessed 
obedience and order, without which peace could not be 
in heaven ; and O ! that it were so in the church on 
earth." — " I can as willingly," said Baxter, u be a 
martyr for love as for any article of the creed." When 
dying he prayed, " Bless, O ! Lord, this distracted world ; 
give peace to thy church, and preserve its interests on 
earth." What a comfort and sweetness is there in 
repeating the Lord's Prayer — " let thy kingdom come/" 

We conclude with the following beautiful extract from 
an anonymous writer : 

" I delight above all things to dwell upon the sublime 



AN OLD DISCIPLE. 



171 



and beautiful idea of the unity of the Christian church, 
composed j as it is, of many members, but all united to- 
gether under one great and glorious head : and I even 
love to caress the thought, as one that is most agreeable 
to my fancy, as well as to my heart and judgment. I 
am pleased to consider the church in the beautiful light 
in which our Saviour himself has chosen to present it. 
1 In my Father's house f says he, i are many mansions,' 
or apartments ; and this is as true of his house upon 
earth, as it is of his house in heaven. The church is in- 
deed a vast and magnificent edifice, which the all-wise 
and beneficent Creator has built upon a sure basis, for the 
accommodation of all his believing children ; and I am 
ready to say or sing of it with the Psalmist, c Beautiful 
for situation, the joy of the whole earthy is this palace. 
It has, of course, as becomes a royal residence, a great 
variety of apartments, of rooms and chambers of differ- 
ent sorts and styles, to suit the tastes and fancies of all 
the different members of the royal family. At the same 
time, too, it has some fine and noble halls and walks, and 
gardens all around it, for the common use and pleasure 
of them all. Now these apartments are free and open 
to us all, and we may look and choose among them as 
we like ; and sure I am that they are all good ; and I 
would rather be a c door-keeper' in any one of them than 
reign and revel in the ■ tents of wickedness.' Let every 
one choose his own apartment — wisely, of course — and 
keep it when he has taken it ; and if he happens to think 
that he has chosen the very best in the whole house, let 
him make no boast, but give God thanks ; and let him 
not quarrel with the choice of another, but rather let 



172 PASTORAL REMINISCENCES. 

him be satisfied with and rejoice in his own ; and above 
all, let us all be careful to meet from time to time in 
those common halls, and walks, and gardens, and mingle 
our hearts, and souls, and spirits together." 



THE HUNGRY SOUL. 173 



CHAPTER VIII. 

THE HUNGRY SOUL. 

" All joy to the believer ! He can speak — 
Trembling, yet happy ; confident, yet meek. 
Since the dear hour that brought me to thy foot, 
And cut up all my follies by the root, 
I never trusted in an arm but thine, 
Nor hoped but in thy righteousness divine, 
My prayers and alms, imperfect and defiled, 
Were but the feeble efforts of a child ; 
Cleansed in thine own all-purifying blood, 
Forgive their evil and accept their good ; 
I cast them at thy feet — my only plea 
Is what it was — dependence upon thee." 

It is surprising that any should have considered Chris- 
tianity as addressed chiefly, if not exclusively, to the 
head, while its great demand is to the heart ; that any 
should have been disposed to exclude almost all feeling 
as leading to enthusiasm, while the two great commands 
of Scripture are love to God, and love to man. True, 
religion is experimental ; its doctrinal truths become 
practical principles, influencing the feelings, affections 
and passions of the whole man. However beautiful it 
may be in name, its excellency and energy are truly 
known only when it is experienced ; however much it 
may be a system to be believed, yet it will be produc- 
tive of little good unless it affect the heart, and its influ- 
ence be felt in its application to our miseries and wants. 
Hence the usefulness of examining our own religious 
9 



174 PASTORAL REMINISCENCES. 

experience and that of others, to know how far it ac- 
cords with the revelation of God's will, and to what 
degree it is subduing our corruptions, leading us to de- 
votion, and inciting us to duty. 

The person with whom the following conversation took 
place, was a young man of remarkably tender conscience ; 
who had a deep sense of the tendency of sin, a desire to 
u shun the appearance of evil," and a constant anxiety 
lest his conduct, in any manner, should " be an occasion 
of falling in another's way." About a year before the 
interview, he had made a profession of religion, and was 
respected and loved by the church. Having enjoyed 
from his childhood the unspeakable privilege of being 
" brought up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord," 
he had more than usual Christian knowledge ; and to 
that pious education, after he became the subject of the 
Spirit's influences, may be ascribed the peculiar beauty 
and uncommon spirituality of his religion. Though 
young, he was to many of the elder members of the 
church an u example in conversation, in charity, in 
spirit, in faith, in purity." He was one of those youth- 
ful disciples in whom I felt a peculiar interest ; one that 
I supposed was raised up by Providence to shine with 
more than ordinary brightness, and exert a more than 
common influence in the church of Christ. With such 
hope I was anxious to give him counsel and direction in 
a way not afforded by my public and social ministra- 
tions, desirous privately to urge upon him the necessity 
of high attainments in religion, and suggest means by 
which greater spirituality could be reached. I mention 
this as a kind of apology for the several practical sub- 
jects which are here introduced ; the particular manner 



THE HUNGRY SOUL. 175 

in which they are discussed, and the length to which 
some of the enquiries are extended ; to fulfil nry own 
wishes, and to benefit him. I invited him to visit me 
whenever I was at leisure, and in the freest manner to 
tell me any difficulties which he might meet with in his 
Christian course. An opportunity occurred. On one 
occasion he entered my study with a burdened heart and 
sad countenance, and soon made known his errand. 

" I have called to see you respecting the state of my 
mind, and to have some conversation with you on the 
subject of my personal experience ; I have great need of 
instruction and counsel." 

" I should be glad to do you any good. But what 
has occurred ? What particular difficulty have you met 
with?" 

" I have wholly lost, it seems to me, my relish for 
divine things, and all communion with God ; and have 
so declined that I no longer possess my former faith, 
and zeal, and love. It has been so for days, and even 
weeks." 

" It is indeed a sad state ; but you know the direc- 
tion, " If any be afflicted, let him pray — call upon me 
in the time of trouble, and I will deliver you.' " 

" That is the great difficulty — / cannot pray. I am 
inclined to neglect even the attempt ; and if goaded 
by conscience to a throne of grace, and compelled by it 
to speak unto God, my heart is entirely unengaged ; the 
duty is performed in a cold and formal manner ; there is 
no prayer. It is dreadful to think of a Christian who has 
lost the spirit and disposition to pray ! I cannot live 
without God, and yet I cannot converse with him ; un- 
less my soul feel his quickening and animating presence, 



176 PASTORAL REMINISCENCES. 

I cannot be happy ; and yet that presence is withdrawn 
— it neither enlightens nor warms me — nor do I really 
desire it, for I cannot ask or seek it in prayer." 

" It is indeed a sad state, and no wonder that you feel 
it to be the severest loss that you could have sustained ; 
that you mourn so bitterly over the want of that which 
constitutes your true happiness. But you ought to be 
thankful that, while you are in this declining condition, 
you are in any degree sensible of it, and alarmed. To 
slumber and sleep, as David did after his criminal con- 
duct, is awful. Sin is of a hardening nature — it stupe- 
fies and benumbs, shuts the eyes and hardens the heart. 
How many professors of religion have I known on whom 
it had this effect ; they lost their zeal, and love, and 
interest in religious duties, and yet they were contented 
and unconcerned — an awful sign that religion was deeply 
languishing in their souls. Bless God if you are not like 
them ; if you are sensible of your decays ; if your eyes 
are open, and your soul impressed with a sense of your 
loss." 

u I am sensible of it, and say with Job, ' O ! that I 
were as in months past, when his candle shone upon my 
head V O ! to have my former experience of his good- 
ness ; my soul again in a healthful and vigorous condition ! 
I know not how to be restored." 

" I would affectionately say to you, as God said to 
Joshua, when he was prostrated at the footstool of mercy, 
because of the defeat of Israel at Ai : c Get thee up ' 
and search for the accursed thing.' Search for the 
cause ; say, i why is it thus V Exclaim with Job, 
' Show me mine iniquity and my sin.' When God with- 
holds the special influences of the Spirit, and when the 



THE HUNGRY SOUL. 177 

suspension of those influences destroys communion with 
him, withers our graces, and impairs the life of religion in 
the soul, we may be sure that we have, in some way, 
dishonoured him, and provoked him to leave us. If the 
patriarch of Uz was anxious to know why God contended 
with him, when he laid his hand sorely upon him, 
should not we be solicitous to examine into the reasons 
of spiritual declension, far more distressing than any 
bodily affliction 1 Christians, from sad experience, know 
that some sin cherished and indulged is sufficient to 
grieve the Holy Spirit, to lead him to take his departure, 
and to leave us in coldness and indifference. In your case 
I am sure that there have been no gross enormities ; 
that your conscience does not charge you with any im- 
morality or crime ; but in a matter of this kind we must 
examine acts of omission, as well as commission ; not 
merely the conduct, but also the heart. Look through 
it — look deep into it ; and you may find some thought 
cherished, or temper indulged, which may be the ground 
of your present complaint." 

" My heart is full of corruption, and my life of sin ; I 
have little, perhaps no love to God, whom I take no 
pleasure in visiting, and who withholds his visitation 
from me." 

" But the particular sin must be searched and dis- 
covered, which has destroyed that delight in duty and 
that spirituality of frame which you once enjoyed. If 
the heart be soured by unkindness, or disturbed by the 
commotions of anger, can we be surprised that prayer is 
attended with no profit 1 Can we, under the influence 
of sensuality, have any real devotion, when purity of 
heart is plainly indispensable to enter into the presence 



178 PASTORAL REMINISCENCES. 

of God ? If we supremely love the world, and pursue 
its interests with ceaseless ardour, is it a strange thing 
to find that our hearts are bowed down to the earth ; 
that there is no fire to consume the offering, and to make 
it a c sweet-smelling' sacrifice to Heaven 1 If there be 
indulged any c bitterness, envy, clamour, evil-speaking,' 
discontent or murmuring, can there be truly devotional 
feelings 1 If there be the least unforgiving temper 
towards an enemy, must not the spirit of prayer be hin- 
dered, and the petition rejected? If there be any self- 
righteous spirit, any trust in our duties, instead of entire 
confidence in the Redeemer ; any self-complacency when 
we are either apparently humbled, or unusually com- 
forted, will not the Saviour be dishonoured, and God 
provoked, and the Spirit grieved, and our souls left to 
sterility and unfruitfulness % Sins like these are pecu- 
liarly offensive ; they harden the heart, benumb the con- 
science, and tarnish the soul. Examine, then, thor- 
oughly — I do not mean now, but when you retire home 
and are alone with your God ; and learn whether there 
be any one offence voluntarily committed, any one known 
duty omitted, any one secret iniquity indulged, unseen 
by the eyes of the world. What David said, each 
Christian can say ; 6 If I regard iniquity in my heart, 
the Lord will not hear me.' " 

" Among the many sins that I have committed, and 
for which my conscience condemns me, it will be impos- 
sible, I fear, to discover the particular sin or corruption 
which has caused my complaint." 

"It may not be as difficult as you imagine. c Search 
and try your ways ;' beg God to examine and prove 
your heart, permit conscience to operate freely, and { be 



THE HUNGRY SOUL. 179 

sure, jour sin will find you out.' Think of the time and 
manner in which you fell into this state of declension ; 
and perhaps you may find some indulged corruption 
which then drove away the Holy Spirit, and which still 
occasions his departure ; which, instead of being morti- 
fied, has grown stronger and stronger. Perhaps it is 
that sin which you are palliating and excusing, and 
which, for that reason, has gained and retained an awful 
predominancy over you — or that sin which is most agree- 
able to your nature, and against which you have never 
prayed and striven — or that sin which you are ashamed 
or unwilling heartily to confess to God, which rises to 
your remembrance when you attempt to pray, but whose 
enormous guilt, made known by your reason and con- 
science, you will not feel ; whose malignity and heinous- 
ness you will not frankly acknowledge. This sin, what- 
ever it may be, thoroughly search for and discover — lay 
your hand upon it, as the ground of the controver sy be- 
tween God and your soul ; as committed against a 
Christian profession, peculiar mercies, remorse of con- 
science, and the convictions of the Spirit. Having dis- 
covered the iniquity, beware lest you excuse, or in any 
degree palliate it ; if you do, the Spirit will be still more 
grieved, and the separation between God and your soul 
still more widened. Yet to this extenuation those in your 
situation are much exposed ; their corrupt hearts suggest 
many excuses ; in their estimation the iniquity is but 
small, and the temptation that led to it was powerful — 
more than c flesh and blood' could resist. c He that 
covereth his sins shall not prosper.' Instead of exten- 
uating, rather look upon your sin with all its aggrava- 
tions. Consider the evils which it has produced ; observe 



180 



PASTORAL REMINISCENCES. 



how it has polluted your soul, weakened your graces, 
and deprived you of strength, taken away all your spir- 
itual enjoyments, quenched the flames of love, destroyed 
your holy resolutions, changed your peace into doubts, 
and your joys into fears, hindered prayer, prevented you 
from seeing God in your closet, and enjoying with him 
any communion. Surely we cannot wonder if God 
should be provoked, hide his face, and withdraw from 
us, when he sees us harboring his enemy — wishing to 
spare, and almost ready to love it. He does it justly, 
for he is holy ; we oblige him to do it, and must love 
him for that infinite hatred to sin which is thus displayed. 
Shall he thus punish all his other children when they 
transgress, and shall he spare us 1 Having seen your 
sin, confess it before God. Let the confession be sincere, 
the effusion of a truly burdened conscience and afflicted 
soul j let it be free, not the forced confession of a male- 
factor upon the rack, but a voluntary disclosure ; let it 
be full, presenting all the aggravations ; let it be humble, 
accompanied with self-abhorrence and loathing. There 
may be much remorse of conscience, and deep dejection 
of soul, where there is no genuine contrition and sincere 
acknowledgment. We hear David saying : c When I 
kept silence, my bones waxed old through my roaring all 
the day long ; for day and night thy hand was heavy 
upon me ; my moisture was turned into the drought of 
summer : thine arrows stick within me, and thy hand 
presseth me sore ; my wounds are corrupt, because of 
my foolishness.' But when he exclaimed, ' I will declare 
mine iniquity ; I will be sorry for my sin,' lying at the 
footstool of God, he was dissolved in grief. Act thus ; 
let no corruption or unbelief prevent you from knowing 



THE HUNGRY SOUL. 181 

and freely confessing the whole extent of your transgres- 
sion. ' What profit have we in those things whereof we 
are now ashamed'?' " 

He was for some time silent and sad, and then said 
with great feeling : "It is all true — the effects of sin 
upon my heart are dreadful ; how it has turned my glory 
into shame, my liberty into slavery, my peace of con- 
science into the bitterness of remorse ! ' Behold, I am 
vile !'" 

" You may have a view of the evil of sin in its effect 
upon your soul ; in your withering graces, and the pri- 
vation of all spiritual enjoyment ; but there is another 
scene, my friend, which you should contemplate, to learn 
all its bitterness and malignity. Look to the cross of 
Christ — look and wonder — look, and raise higher in- 
dignation against all iniquity — behold the personally 
innocent Saviour there hanging, with his body covered 
with blood, and his heart wounded with anguish — 
abandoned by his friends, derided by his enemies, for- 
saken even by his God ! What will open the springs 
of godly sorrow, like such a sight 1 What will dis- 
solve the hardness of our hearts so effectually as the 
consideration of such love? What will cause us to 
i mourn, as one mourneth for a first-born,' as i looking 
upon him whom we have pierced V By yielding to sin, 
harbouring it in our bosoms, and even casting upon it a 
pleasing glance, we are guilty, not only of violating the 
law, but of undervaluing the blood of the covenant. 
Shall Christ die for sin, and we indulge it ? Did he for 
us bear this amazing suffering ; and shall we not ' smite 
our breast,' and be pained at our very souls % What 

motive can be so effectual as this to lead us thoroughly 
9# 



182 PASTORAL REMINISCENCES. 

to hate sin, and utterly to renounce all iniquity 1 How 
can we retain those transgressions which were the true 
cause of our Redeemer's suffering ; that were ' the be- 
trayers and murderers of the Prince of life ;' which 
rioted in his agonies, and kindled those flames which 
could be extinguished only with his blood 1 Go, then, 
to the foot of the cross — there learn the infinite evil of 
sin — there exercise a holy indignation against it — there 
remember that a saint is never so lovely in the estima- 
tion of Heaven, as when he is lying at that cross, cover- 
ing his face with the wings of humility and reverence, 
c abhorring himself, and repenting as in dust and ashes.' 
Return unto God through this Redeemer ; cast all your 
guilt upon his atonement ; feel that it is infinite ; that it 
is satisfactory to Divine justice, and abundantly sufficient 
for your pardon. Despair not ; you have an intercessor 
before the throne, a l faithful and merciful High Priest ;' 
think of his ' having laid upon him all our iniquities ;' of 
his being c able to save unto the uttermost ;' of his 
i blood cleansing from all sin.' Think how a merciful 
God expostulates and invites ; ' O ! that you had heark- 
ened unto me ; then your peace had been as a river, 
and your righteousness as the waves of the sea.' — ' Take 
with you words and turn unto the Lord, and say to him, 
take away all iniquity, and receive us graciously ; for in 
thee the fatherless find mercy.' — ' I will receive you gra- 
ciously, and love you freely ; I will be as the dew unto Is- 
rael j and he shall grow as the lily, and cast forth his fruits 
as Lebanon.' Take these texts into consideration ; be- 
lieve and apply them, that you may do no injury to the 
Divine mercies, the Saviour's merits, or your own com- 
forts. Remember what a message our Lord sent to 



THE HUNGRY SOUL. 183 

Peter after his fall ; what offers he made to Jerusalem, 
after it had murdered the Prince of life ; how useful and 
happy David was made, after the commission of the most 
enormous crimes. What though your obedience be 
defective, so that you cry out, c wo is me ; I am undone !' 
turn your thoughts to the great Mediator's righteous- 
ness — that is perfect and divine, and was wrought out 
for you, that by it you might be justified. You say that 
your prayers are dull and languid — remember the inter- 
cession of Christ — he c ever appears in the presence of 
God' for you ; and how can that cause fail which has 
such an advocate 1 If the 6 poor widow' was heard even 
by ' the unjust judge,' shall not the Son of God prevail, 
when he intercedes with a gracious Father, who loves 
both him and you 1 If you want repentance as you say 
you do, faith, holiness, spiritual life, c Christ is exalted 
a Prince and a Saviour to give' all these blessings ; he 
6 ascended on high to receive gifts for men, even the 
rebellious ;' and it is his office to bestow them on poor 
sinners who desire them ; will not the 6 Father be glori- 
fied' in your return — in your ' bringing forth much fruit V 
Will not the Saviour rejoice in giving rest to your weary 
soul, and causing praises to succeed your groans of sor- 
row 1 Will you not, by pursuing the scriptural method 
which has been suggested, find your soul eased, your 
heart purified, your spiritual liberty restored, and God 
returning to you in i loving kindness and tender mercy V" 

I felt that I had said enough — we bowed together at a 
throne of grace, and confessed our sins before God, asked 
for pardon ; prayed, " Take not thy Holy Spirit from us ; 
restore to us the joys of thy salvation," and separated. 

Several days elapsed before I again saw him ; but 



184 PASTORAL REMINISCENCES. 

when we met, it was evident that he had experienced the 
truth of the promise : " To this man will I look, even to 
him that is poor and of a contrite spirit, to revive the 
spirit of the humble ;" that, when he had offered the 
prayer, " God be merciful unto me, and bless me, and 
make his face to shine upon me," his request was grant- 
ed ; that " the loving kindness, which is better than 
life," of which he had been deprived, was restored to 
him. 

Our conversation was resumed. I commenced by ob- 
serving : " You have, I trust, found the i promises ex- 
ceeding great and precious,' the i promises in Christ 
Jesus,' who is their author, glory and substance, and 
from whom they derive all their influence to comfort and 
purify ; you have found that the ' wounded spirit he can 
heal,' to 6 the weary' he can ' give rest,' to one deeply 
sensible of guilt he can grant pardon." 

" I have seen and learned much since I have been 
with you, and I hope that the impression will never be 
removed ; that I shall never again be in such darkness 
and distress." 

" I would caution you, my friend, though I know not 
that you have particular need of such counsel, against 
reliance upon feelings and frames. It is surely incum- 
bent on every Christian to obtain all the spiritual tran- 
quillity and divine joy of which we are capable, in prose- 
cuting the ways of God, and supporting us amidst 
difficulties and temptations. But 'principle should be 
the object of supreme attention ; and if that be properly 
cultivated, sufficient enjoyment will necessarily follow. 
It is not the degree of comfort so much as the degree of 
grace which indicates the eminence of our piety. Let 



THE HUNGRY SOUL. 185 

us look well to the reality, purity and scriptural char- 
acter of the principles by which we are governed ; and 
then peace will succeed, i the peace which passeth under- 
standing ;' perhaps c joy in the Holy Ghost ;' let us en- 
quire not £ how do I feel — what comfort do I experience V 
but ' how do I act — by what am I governed — what tes- 
timony does my life furnish of Christian simplicity and 
humility ; of love to God and benevolence to man V In- 
terested as you know I am in you, I am desirous that 
you should have correct views on every part of religion. 
I am not one of those who are in the habit of telling 
young converts that their - first love' must necessarily 
cool ; that their full flow of affection to God must neces- 
sarily sink ; that from the height of spiritual enjoyment 
they must necessarily descend. The apostles, it seems 
to me, did not act thus. When Barnabas visited the 
young Christians at Antioch, instead of leading them to 
expect a state of declension immediately after their re- 
ception of the Saviour, he ( exhorted them with full pur- 
pose of heart to cleave unto the Lord ;' and Paul's 
language to those who were converted through his instru- 
mentality was, ' I pray that your love may abound more 
and more in knowledge and all judgment.' There is no 
necessity in the nature of things for the abatement of 
your love, or zeal, or joy. On the contrary, I would say 
to you, if you be faithful, as the Saviour said to Na- 
thaniel, c you shall see greater things than these' — your 
love will be deeper, your faith firmer, your views of 
Christ and his gospel clearer. There is danger of the 
young forming a low and imperfect standard of religion 
from the conduct of professors around them, whose ex- 
ample may be to them a ' snare,' and a i stumbling 



186 PASTORAL REMINISCENCES. 

block.' From the study of the Scriptures they should 
correct these mistakes, and after the great and exalted 
characters there found, form their conduct. Youth is 
the season when the noble and generous principles of our 
affections are in their fullest exercise ; and when we are 
restrained by the narrow prejudices and passions of ma- 
turer age — what advantages, then, has it for growth in 
piety, when it contemplates the dignity, compassion and 
disinterestedness of the Saviour, in whom these and a 
thousand other exalted qualities shine ? A flame of love is 
enkindled for him as the attractive centre of every grace ; 
and if the warmth of natural affection be not substituted 
for holiness of heart ; if it be a solid and permanent es- 
timation of the Redeemer's character, instead of the 
effect of a fervid imagination, what attainments may they 
make in spirituality — what lustre shed upon religion ! 
Let it be so with you. Have you made some advances in 
the Christian career % Have you, through Divine grace, 
obtained any conquests over your foes 1 Remember that 
much still remains to be accomplished, and that your 
victories must be followed up by new resistance and new 
triumphs." 

" I do desire, I think, to ' grow in grace ;' to have a 
deeper knowledge of my own heart, and the character of 
God ; of the person and work of Christ, and the whole 
glorious plan of redemption." 

" There is no reason why you should not grow in all 
these parts of the Christian character ; why you should 
not advance in abhorrence of sin and love of holiness ; 
in watchfulness and prayer ; in lowliness and resigna- 
tion ; in benevolence and gentleness ; in a stable peace 
and a more abiding hope ; in the discharge of every rela- 



THE HUNGRY SOUL. 187 

tive duty, and higher usefulness in the church. You are 
planted in the ' garden of God' — let the tree nourish and 
' bear fruit abundantly ;' you are a candidate for hea- 
ven — become more and more meet for ' the inheritance 
of light.' " 

" Are there not many considerations which urge this 
duty upon us ?" 

" There are. Higher attainments are possible ; the 
same grace which made eminent saints what they are, is 
ready and sufficient for you and me ; and each may say, 
' I can do all things through Christ which streno-theneth 
me.' How many examples have we in Scripture of high 
attainments in holiness — how remarkable was the grace 
of Enoch and Abraham, of Moses and Job, of Joshua 
and Samuel, of Paul and John ! How many exhorta- 
tions and promises have we on the subject ! Such 
growth in religion enables us to glorify God, affords pe- 
culiar consolation, gives communion with Christ, grants 
fellowship with the saints, yields clear evidences of piety, 
and alone assures us of the safety of our condition. If 
we are not growing in grace, we are declining — there is 
no standing still — he who is not going forward is going 
backward. The stone which is to be forced up a hill 
must be constantly urged forward ; or it will be carried 
down by its own weight. It is as necessary for us to ' press 
forward' with holy ardour, as it is for the soldier to be 
valiant in the fight, the wrestler to be eager in the struggle, 
or the racer to reach forth with exertion after the prize." 

" It is not easy then to make this advance in religion, 
and thus unceasingly to go forward V 

" Far from it — it is the most difficult thing in the 
world. Some attendance on the means of grace ; some 



188 PASTORAL REMINISCENCES. 

sincerity in prayer ; some desires after holiness are in- 
sufficient — it demands resolute watchfulness, laborious 
diligence, painful conflicts, habitual mortification of sin, 
daily self-denial, constant sacrifices ; and this to be con- 
tinued until we c awake in God's likeness.' Then, and 
not until then, the battle will be over, the victory won, 
the race finished, and the prize obtained." 

" But what are the means by which I can advance ? 
What general directions can you give which I shall be 
able to follow in the attainment of the object 1" 

Ci Learn, in the first place, what real growth in grace 
is. It consists not in the strictest performance of the 
external duties of religion, nor in the knowledge of 
Christian doctrine, nor in the most ardent zeal, nor in 
the most public profession, nor in the highest reputation 
for piety, nor in the greatest activity in prosecuting 
plans of usefulness. It extends farther than this — it 
consists in a growing conformity of the whole man to the 
will of God 5 in having less of corruption and more of 
the renewed nature, day by day ; in becoming more like 
what Adam was in Paradise ; more like what every saint 
is in glory ; more like what Jesus Christ was, when he 
was on earth. It has no boundary here ; no point 
where the Christian can stop — and his spiritual pros- 
perity therefore is to be judged, not by any sudden or 
hasty steps, but by a constant and habitual progress. 
In attaining such growth, it is scarcely necessary to 
urge diligence in the use of what are termed the c ordi- 
nary means of grace' — prayer, self-examination, the 
study of the Scriptures, the observance of the Sabbath, 
and attendance upon the ministrations of the sanctuary. 
In the performance of such duties, we must not be 



THE HUNGRY SOUL. 189 

slothful nor formal, but punctual, serious, watchful, that 
we may i renew our strength, while waiting upon God.' 
Is it necessary to give other directions 1 Guard against 
the beginnings of sin — dread the smallest departure from 
the Christian faith — watch against the least decay of 
spiritual affections — obey the voice of conscience in the 
smallest matters — guard against the ' sin which doth 
easily beset' you, to which you are, in a high degree, 
exposed from your natural temperament, disposition, age, 
and the peculiar circumstances in which you are placed. 
Beware of the indulgence of a captious and censorious 
temper ; for it will do much to check the exercise of 
pious affections — avoid every degree of a selfish and un- 
generous spirit ; for religious feeling will be weak, in 
proportion to the strength of this unworthy principle. 
When a Christian, unmindful of what he owes to the 
comfort of others, studies only to please himself, and 
cares not how the feelings of others are wounded, if his 
own be gratified, he shall assuredly miss his object : the 
enjoyment which he seeks shall flee from him, and he 
will find that he is not permitted to be happy who seeks 
the happiness of none but himself. In the use of these 
directions, be sensible of your entire dependence upon 
the Holy Spirit ; trust only in his operations ; and feel 
that as necessary as are the means of grace, they derive 
all their efficacy from his power. You know that nothing 
good is found in fallen man, that nothing but evil grows 
spontaneously in that soil; that if there be any thing 
holy, it is produced by the Spirit of God who ? worketh 
in us both to will and to do of his good pleasure.' His 
divine influence is not the less necessary in prosecuting 
the work which he has begun ; for such is our proneness 



190 PASTORAL REMINISCENCES. 

to relax our exertions, to grow weary and faint in our 
course, that we need to be continually c strengthened with 
might by his Spirit in the inner man.' To grow in 
grace, we must be established in the great doctrines of 
Christianity. It is the Spirit who enlightens, and 
c guides us into all truth' — he reveals indeed nothing that 
is new, and that is not found in the book of Revelation ; 
but by a holy influence upon the mind, he manifests and 
clearly presents what had been hidden from us by pride, 
prejudice, or hardness of heart. To advance in religion 
is to grow in all the Christian graces and virtues. That 
Spirit who is the author of these graces can alone actu- 
ate and excite them, and when dormant, rouse them into 
exercise. By presenting the truths of the Gospel in a 
manner penetrating and transforming ; unfolding the 
character, providence, promises, and covenant of God ; 
exhibiting the grace and glory of the Redeemer, he calls 
into vigorous action our faith, hope, gratitude, and love ; 
and fills our souls with admiration and joy. By some 
signal mercy, he incites us to thankfulness and praise ; 
by some severe affliction, he awakens us to consideration 
and thoughtfulness : when we are languid, he quickens 
us ; when we are wandering, he brings us back ; when 
we are declining, he grants us fresh supplies of grace ; 
and thus enables us to ' rise and shine ;' to show that the 
lamp will burn brightly, when furnished with new oil. 
As all true Christians need no other argument for human 
corruption but their own experience, so they need no 
other proof but this of these operations of the Spirit. 
They have known and felt him thus enlivening their 
hope, and strengthening their faith ; comforting them in 
reproaches, and supporting them in temptation ; becom- 



THE HUNGRY SOUL. 191 

ing to them the earnest, pledge, and foretaste of the heav- 
enly kingdom. In this manner £ the Spirit helpeth our 
infirmities ;' that is, as the original word implies, aids 
us to bear the burden of our sorrows by taking hold of it 
on one side — intimating how effectual is his relief, and 
how necessary that we should exert, in concurrence with 
him, all the strength which we possess. But it is espe- 
cially in prayer that he aids us, as the apostle says : 
6 The Spirit helpeth our infirmities, for we know not what 
we should pray for as we ought ; but the Spirit itself 
maketh intercession for us with groanings that cannot be 
uttered.' It is his office, as distinct from the Father 
and the Son, to help us in our devotional exercises ; and 
hence he is called c the Spirit of grace and supplication f 
hence we are exhorted by Jude to c pray in the Holy 
Ghost ;' and by Paul, to 6 pray with all prayer and sup- 
plication in the Spirit.' We shall be unable, without rf 
him, to overcome our natural reluctance to the duty ; to 
make any effort, or put forth any resolution to attempt 
a service so spiritual and holy. Without him we shall 
have no suitable and well-adapted matter for prayer ; 
we shall ask what, if granted, would tend to our injury ; 
consult merely our wishes, without regarding the Divine 
glory ; forget petitions which should be presented, and 
neglect blessings that ought to be implored. Without 
him we shall err in manner, when we approach ' the 
mercy-seat;' enter upon the duty distracted by worldly 
cares and sinful passions ; have no distinct apprehension 
of the Divine character, no adequate views of our un- 
worthiness and guilt, no clear sense of the fulness and 
power of the Redeemer, no feeling perception of our 
multiplied wants ; we shall find our thoughts wandering, 



192 PASTORAL REMINISCENCES. 

our hearts cold, our spirits oppressed, our Q souls cleav- 
ing to the dust' — and if we are not at once answered, we 
shall - faint' and be discouraged." 

" Dreadful indeed is our situation without him ! If 
he be not present, there can be no life, power, or enjoy- 
ment in prayer. I wonder not that David prayed so fer- 
vently — i Take not thy Holy Spirit from me.' 

u Without him we cannot pray ; our cries will be only 
a solemn mockery to Heaven. But blessed be God that 
we are not left to ourselves under the wretchedness and 
ruin of our fallen nature ; that there is a power which 
can raise and support us ; that we have the promise of 
the Holy Spirit to help us ; the great promise of the new 
dispensation, constituting the peculiar privilege of the 
Christian church. Whenever we pray acceptably, this 
Holy Spirit, no doubt, dwells within us, influences our 
understandings, affects our hearts, and thus teaches us 
that he is, in a degree, the author of our prayers. The 
Scriptures, in many places,, tell us that our light and 
life, warmth and comfort, come from him — that ' God 
hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, cry- 
ing, Abba Father' — that is, has sent the Holy Spirit to 
incline and dispose us, when we pray, to call God our 
Father ; tell us that c the effectual' or inwrought prayer 
(as the original word implies) c availeth much' — the prayer 
that is wrought within us by the Spirit^ possessing, 
guiding, directing, and exciting us. ' He maketh inter- 
cession for us' — not in the sense in which Jesus Christ 
does ; not with the Father, but with our spirits ; not in 
heaven, but in our souls ; not in presenting to God in 
our behalf an atoning sacrifice, but in presenting to us 
wants and desires, arguments and pleas ; not in purify- 



THE HUNGRY SOUL. 193 

ing our devotions and offering them for acceptance, but 
by inditing our prayers for us, not in a book, but in our 
hearts. He does what a faithful advocate does for a 
client — dictate what he ought to say, and how he should 
present his cause. In executing this office, he inclines 
our hearts to pray, overcomes our natural reluctance, 
enlarges our desires, excites holy breathings toward 
Heaven, and thus enables us to ' stir up ourselves to lay 
hold upon God.' The Spirit says : 6 Seek the Lord 
while he is to be found ;' the soul under his influence 
responds : i Thy face, Lord, will I seek.' The Spirit 
says: 'Come, for all things are ready;' the soul an- 
swers : c Lord, I come, I come quickly.' The Spirit 
says : c Wait on the Lord, be of good courage, and he 
will strengthen thy heart ; wait, I say, upon the Lord ;' 
the soul responds : ' I will wait upon thy name, O ! 
Lord, for it is good.' The Spirit says : c Return, thou 
backsliding child, and I will heal thy backslidings ;' the 
soul answers : • Behold we come unto thee, for thou art 
the Lord our God.' The Holy Spirit enlightens and 
teaches us how, and for what, we should pray ; gives us 
strong views of God, ourselves, and our wants ; brings 
to our remembrance the declarations of Scripture, inti- 
mates what arguments we should plead, what promises 
we should present, what sins we should confess, and 
what blessings we should implore. He excites those 
particular graces which accord with the duty of prayer, 
and which are necessary for its acceptance. When sin 
is remembered, and made the subject of confession, he 
incites shame and sorrow ; when mercies are recalled, he 
awakens all the springs of gratitude ; when afflictions 
are spread before the Lord, he inspires submission and 



194 PASTORAL REMINISCENCES. 

resignation ; when the excellencies of the Saviour, and 
the work of redemption, rest feelingly upon the heart, 
he calls forth admiration and faith, gratitude and love ; 
when the promises are brought to mind in all their variety 
and extent, he enables us to lay hold of them by faith. 
You recollect that the apostle adds : i He maketh inter- 
cession with groanings that cannot be uttered' — groan- 
ings not of the Spirit, but of the petitioner, the subject 
of his influences. I suppose that the meaning is this : 
he, at times, inspires believers with such intense ardour 
and holy desires, such inward pleading with God, as can- 
not be expressed in words. Some desires are too mighty 
to be uttered ; language is not expressive enough to give 
them form or sound, or ability to be spoken. When 
such emotions are excited by the Spirit, the believer 
vents them only in ' groanings that cannot be uttered.' 
Sometimes his pantings after pardon and holiness, Christ 
and heaven, are so strong and fervid that the soul takes 
the loftiest flight ; and, collecting all its force, bears it- 
self towards God in thoughts, and sighs, and groans, too 
big for utterance. Sometimes he has such a heartfelt 
perception of his sins, of their number, desert, and influ- 
ence, that he is wholly overwhelmed by the sight ; and 
instead of acknowledging them with his lips, confesses 
and laments them only in mournful and penitential 
breathings. Sometimes he has so vivid an exhibition of 
the glory of that God whom he addresses, that, like 
Elijah, he can only - fall upon his face,' and silently 
' adore and tremble.' Sometimes he is so inspired with 
the Spirit which leads ' angels to rejoice over one sinner 
that repenteth ; so solicitous for the cause of Christ ; so 
intensely concerned for the salvation of the impenitent, 



THE HUNGRY SOUL. 



195 



that his soul only can exclaim : 8 How can I endure to 
see the destruction of my kindred V But how delightful 
the thought that such prayers are the most pleasing and 
acceptable that can ascend to the throne of Majesty ; to 
know that our Heavenly Father reads the language of 
the Holy Spirit in every tear thus shed, every sigh thus 
uttered, every groan thus vented !" 

" If ' the Spirit thus help our infirmities, and make 
intercession for us with groaniDgs that cannot be uttered, 5 
how I should love to know when he is present with me 
in prayer ! Such knowledge of his presence would fully 
satisfy me that I was a child of God, give me assurance 
of my acceptance, lead me steadily to depend on him, 
and encourage my expectation of all future supplies." 

" You may know that he is present, if you have a 
deep sense of your wants, the imperfection of your duties, 
the power of sin within you, and your utter inability to 
resist its influence. You may know it, if you have a 
clear view of the glories of the Gospel, the blessings of 
the covenant, the fulness of Christ, the excellency of 
his salvation, and the glory of his promises. You may 
know it, if you have the feelings and dispositions which 
become such a duty and privilege ; if you have the hu- 
mility which Abraham had when pleading for Sodom, 
and the awe and reverence which possessed the souls of 
Moses and Elijah when they had a glimpse of the divine 
glory ; if you can sink into nothing, as did Job, when 
he exclaimed : " Behold, I am vile." You may know it, 
if you are enabled to pray with earnestness and im- 
portunity ; to cry from the very heart, as did the publi- 
can, £ God be merciful to me a sinner !' to exclaim, with 
all the ^ardour of the disciples, 6 Master, .save us — we 



196 PASTORAL REMINISCENCES. 

perish ;' to continue pleading, as did the woman of 
Canaan, and, like her, to turn discouragements into 
arguments. Who but the Spirit can enable Christians to 
take strong hold of the promises, and to plead them con- 
fidently before God 1 You may know it, if you pray in 
the name of Christ ; depend entirely upon him for accept- 
ance ; rely wholly upon his sacrifice as sufficient ; and 
plead nothing but his merits for the bestowal of every 
blessing. To exercise such faith ; thus to lie down in 
the dust of humility, and exalt the Redeemer, is more 
than a creature, in himself, can do. You may know it, 
if in prayer you have a sweet acquiescence in God, and 
a pure love to him ; if you can rest in him as an all-suf- 
ficient portion, and say with sincerity, ' Lord, whom 
have I in heaven but thee, and there is none upon earth 
that I desire beside thee — thou art all my salvation, and 
in thee do I trust ; do with me as seemeth good in thy 
sight — if it be for thy glory that the affliction which is 
threatened should come upon me, or that this trial which 
I am now suffering should continue, I would not dictate, 
nor presume to direct — thy will be done — thou art deal- 
ing well with thy servant, according to thy word.' " 

" ! what a privilege to have the Holy Spirit always 
with us, when we pray ! How happy would his presence 
make us — inconceivably more happy than if we possessed 
the whole world — how our corruptions would be subdued, 
and our natures sanctified— our whole soul brought into 
conformity to God — every want supplied, and every 
blessing enjoyed — all needful grace so increased as to 
yield the c abundant fruits of righteousness.' " 

" And why should we not always have his presence? 
If, in our addresses to God, he be ever absent, whom 



THE HUNGRY SOUL, 197 

have we to blame but ourselves 1 Have we not the 
promise, 'your Heavenly Father will give the Holy 
Spirit unto them that ask' — give with all the bounty of 
an affectionate parent — give his pure, transforming, hum- 
bling influences — his light, help and comfort 1 Here lies 
the whole peace, joy and triumph of the Christian life." 

" I do not know enough of the Holy Spirit — his gifts, 
graces and helps — nor study sufficiently his character 
and operations — nor feel enough my entire dependence 
on him." 

" It is too much the case with us all ; and it is the 
reason why we have such limited degrees of grace. It 
is astonishing that Christians should so little think and 
speak of this almighty agent who performs so important 
a part in their salvation. Jesus Christ has ' purchased 
the church with his blood ;' but the Holy Spirit pre- 
pares and conducts it ; he has a stated office which he 
has executed, and will continue to execute, i even unto 
the end of the world ;' he is the author of all grace ; the 
principle and fountain of all vital religion ; his agency 
and principal employment is to ' convince of sin' and 
renew our natures ; to subdue our iniquities, and ' mortify 
the deeds of the body ;' c to shed abroad the love of 
God in our hearts ;' to c sanctify us wholly' in all our 
faculties ; to ' transform us into the Divine image ;' to 
6 seal us unto the day of redemption ;' to be an i earnest 
of an incorruptible inheritance' — in a word, we are to 
expect from him all c the fruits of goodness, righteous- 
ness and truth.' The Scripture is the book which he has 
peculiarly indited, and which we can understand only 
by his teaching. He is the glory and the Shechinah of 
the Christian church — the great bond of union to God — 
10 



198 PASTORAL REMINISCENCES. 

the principal mark of our spiritual adoption — a more 
certain indication of our piety, than if an angel were to 
descend from heaven, and assure us that we were the 
heirs of immortal glory. Let us remember that we are 
under infinite obligations to our Sanctifier as well as our 
Redeemer ; and let his love be the theme of our devout 
meditation, and the subject of our highest praises! 
Though the Holy Spirit takes possession of every soul 
that is effectually called, according to the promise, ' I 
will put my Spirit within you, and cause you to walk in 
my statutes ;' yet he does not at once accomplish his 
work ; he enkindles in the heart a Divine flame, and then 
preserves and feeds it — the Divine graces, c love, joy, 
peace, long-suffering, patience, meekness' are not the 
effects of an instantaneous and single operation, but the 
result of many repeated influences, concurring with the 
providences and word of God — a reason why we should 
not rest in that grace that we possess, but daily wait and 
look for additional supplies. These supplies are granted 
in different degrees, in proportion to the use and im- 
provement that is made of the Spirit's help — c to him 
that hath, it shall be given, and he shall have more 
abundance ; but whosoever hath not' — that is, does not 
improve what he has — c from him shall be taken away 
that which he hath.' Here, as in temporal things, the 
diligent hand maketh rich ' — great blessings are always 
procured by great efforts — it is the order of nature which 
the will of our Creator has ordained, and which Chris- 
tianity assuredly does c not destroy, but fulfils.' The 
more humble, watchful, and circumspect the Christian 
is, the more he abounds in c the fruits of the Spirit ;' 
the more he is inspired with wisdom, strengthened with 



THE HUNGRY SOUL. 199 

courage, and animated with comfort. Sometimes these 
graces are imparted to fit Christians for the peculiarly 
difficult duties to which they are called ; to raise them 
above all timorousness and discouragement ; to give 
them a deep convictioD that the hand of God is with 
them ; and to make them feel what the apostle felt, that 
6 God's strength is magnified in their weakness ;' that it 
appears in greater glory, because of their nothingness. 
Sometimes the blessing is given to prepare them for some 
heavy affliction which is approaching ; to make their 
souls ready for the conflict ; to furnish them with grace 
for - the time of need.' Thousands, from experience, 
can attest this truth ; can remember peculiar communion 
with God enjoyed in retirement, and unusual consola- 
tions ' shed abroad in the heart,' just before a severe and 
unexpected trial. This clothed them with armour in the 
day of conflict, made the ' burden light,' and carried 
them through the dark dispensation with an ease and 
acquiescence, a calmness and serenity which made them 
' a wonder unto many,' and c a wonder' to themselves. 
Sometimes the blessing is given in the season of worship ; 
and then extraordinary light and comfort attend the 
Divine ordinances, the Christian is ' made joyful in the 
house of prayer,' and triumphant at the Lord's table ; 
he enjoys a ' peace which passeth all understanding;' he 
feels the Spirit breaking in upon his soul with flashes of 
joy ; warming it with beams of comfort, breathing into it 
the inspirations of heaven, shedding through it a thou- 
sand rich consolations. ' Where the Spirit of the Lord 
is, there is liberty' — freedom from guilt, freedom from 
fear. How eager should we be to secure continually, 



200 PASTORAL REMINISCENCES. 

without a moment's intermission, this privilege and 
glory of the Christian ; how desirous to have his influen- 
ces never withdrawn ; how willing to endure any chas- 
tisement or rebuke, rather than the suspension of his 
presence ; how ready to suffer any thing rather than to 
be shut out from the light of his countenance, and the 
joys of his salvation !" 

He remained silent, evidently engaged in deep thought, 
and then exclaimed, u 6 One thing do I desire of the Lord, 
and that will I seek after all the days of my life' — the 
gifts, graces, and consolations of the Holy Spirit ; a 
larger supply, and a greater unction of his influences ; a 
feeling evidence that he is near me, as a sanctifier, com- 
forter, and dispenser of strength — without him I cannot 
perform my devotions with life, discharge my Christian 
duties with cheerfulness, or oppose my spiritual enemies 
with success." 

" You can — can obtain the object of your desire — 
your ' heavenly Father will give the Holy Spirit to those 
that ask' — plead the promise, beg for the blessing, pros- 
trate at his footstool — take with you his own words : 
' Pour out thy Spirit on me from on high, and then the 
wilderness shall become a fruitful field' — ' Grant me 
according to the riches of thy glory, that I may be 
strengthened with might in the inner man' — thus plead- 
ing, you will be heard — the Holy Spirit will be with 
you, and give you power and ability to do and suffer all 
to which you may be called — his supply will enable you 
to conflict with every enemy, baffle every temptation, and 
mortify every lust ; to pass through prosperity without 
elation, and adversity without sinking — in a word, to 



THE HUNGRY SOUL. 201 

perform all the duties of the Christian life in a manner 
acceptable to God, useful to others, and cheerful to 
yourself." 

" I will pray for him, and pray earnestly, and, God 
helping me, will never be satisfied without him ; I would 
ever be his ' temple ;' would always ' live in the Spirit,' 
and act under his direction ; would 6 walk in the fear of 
the Lord, and the comforts of the Holy Ghost.' But 
when I look back upon my devotions, and remember that 
the Spirit only indites acceptable petitions, and that all 
availing prayer is his ' intercession,' I fear that much 
that I offered was only mockery to God." 

" There is no doubt that much which is considered by 
the world as prayer, is not so regarded by the omnis- 
cient God — that there is often much ' service of the 
body,' much bending of the knee, much expression of the 
lips, but no prayer, because the Holy Spirit is absent ; 
much outward form and invention of mind, but no pious 
emotion of the heart. Though it may be called devo- 
tion, yet it is a mere body without the soul, a shadow 
without the substance. They who present such an offer- 
ing, are spoken of in Scripture — 6 This people draweth 
nigh to me with their mouth, and worshippeth me with 
their lips, but their heart is far from me.' " 

" When we consider our entire dependence upon the 
Spirit, and remember that prayer is his c helping our 
infirmities,' and ' making intercession for us ;' may we 
not easily assign a reason why Christians pray differ- 
ently at different times ?" 

" There is no doubt that we can account for it upon 
this principle. Sometimes they seem to force them- 
selves to the duty, and when they engage in it, find 



202 PASTORAL REMINISCENCES. 

themselves ignorant and cold, formal and lifeless — they 
have no enlightened apprehension of the character of 
God, no deep sense of their wants, no eager longings for 
Divine grace, no fervent desires for supplies from above, 
no lively impression of the sublimity and sanctity of the 
service. The reason is obvious — the Spirit is not pres- 
ent to ' help their infirmities,' and they ' know not what 
to pray for as they ought.' By some sin they have 
grieved and offended him, and he withdraws his influen- 
ces ; and though they kneel, and raise their hands, and 
speak, yet they do not pray, for the Holy Spirit has fled. 
At other times they have warm devotion, come cheerfully 
to the mercy-seat, and hear their covenant Father say- 
ing, ■ Ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you' — 
c Whatsoever ye shall ask in the name of my Son, believ- 
ing, ye shall receive ;' they i draw near with full assu- 
rance of faith,' through the mediation of Jesus ; and find 
their souls melted with penitence, or glowing with thank- 
fulness ; they make mention of his character, perfections, 
and promises ; they speak to him of the wonders of cre- 
ation, the wisdom of Providence, and the mystery of 
redemption ; they cast all the burden of their cares upon 
this almighty Friend, who is able to sustain it, and find 
that 'in his presence there is fulness of joy.' They 
arise from their knees, saying, c It is good to be here' — 
' I love the Lord, because he hath heard my voice and 
my supplications' — sensibly feeling how precious are the 
hours of prayer, and how delightful a spot is the closet. 
It is because the Holy Spirit is there to * help their infir- 
mities,' and to ' make intercession for' them. There 
may be many defects and imperfections in the service 5 
but the Holy Spirit is there ; and they may perhaps as 



THE HUNGRY SOUL. 203 

certainly know it, as they know that the sun shines, be- 
cause they see its light, and enjoy its influence. Happy 
for them, if after such seasons they are humble and cir- 
cumspect, guard against spiritual pride, and attribute 
not to themselves what should be ascribed to the opera- 
tions of the Spirit." 

" How careful should I be in my conduct to the Holy 
Spirit, lest I offend him, and provoke him to withdraw 
his protection !" 

" You should, my friend, be peculiarly cautious. As 
he is your Helper, Guide, Comforter, in one sense, In- 
tercessor, cherish carefully all his motions ; listen to his 
whispers when he would convince you of sin ; comply 
with his dictates, when he would lead you to duty. He 
is your friend — a tender and valuable friend ; anxious 
for your welfare, watchful over your interests, willing to 
promote your happiness and peace : he is susceptible of 
offence when neglected — ' grieve him not' by acting con- 
trary to his desires, or opposing the tendency of his 
influences ; by slighting his admonitions, or refusing to 
take heed to his suggestions ; by any deliberate or wilful 
sins. How ungrateful, unwise, and criminal would it 
be to offend him! If he withdraw his consolation, what 
other comforter can c revive in the midst of trouble V If 
he cease to instruct, what other teacher can enlighten 
our mind ? If he refuse to lead, what other guide can 
safely conduct us through the wilderness ? If we offend 
him in our intercourse with the world, he will withhold 
his presence in the sanctuary and in the closet ; if we 
grieve him as a c Spirit of holiness, 5 he will forsake us as 
a ■ Spirit of supplication ;' if we comply not with the 
gentle insinuations of his grace, leading us to light and 



204 PASTORAL REMINISCENCES. 

purity, he will leave our souls, like the fleece of Gideon? 
without any spiritual dew, sterile and unfruitful. But 
while all wilful sin displeases him, it would appear, from 
Scripture, that some sins more directly c grieve' him ; of 
which you should scrupulously beware. Such is the 
tendency of evil and malignant passions. No sooner 
does the apostle say, 4 Grieve not the Holy Spirit of 
God/ than he adds, as if to indicate his meaning, ' let 
all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and 
evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice. ? 
The Spirit is a Spirit of love ; his fruits are meekness, 
gentleness, patience, forbearance and forgiveness ; he 
dwells in no heart where wrath and anger reside ; he 
will be with you only when you are cultivating mild, 
peaceable, and charitable dispositions- — as he is a God of 
purity, sensuality is peculiarly offensive to him ; he is 
driven away by the ' pollution of the flesh and spirit, 7 
even when indulged in the heart. As he is i the Spirit 
of truth,' every instance of deceit and falsehood provokes 
him to withdraw his grace — when Ananias and Sap- 
phira were thus guilty, it is said that - they lied unto the 
Holy Ghost.' If your conscience be enlightened by the 
word of God, its admonitions are the admonitions of the 
Spirit — resist not its dictates, and if it even suggest 
some doubts of the lawfulness of an act, abstain from 
it. Rush not into temptation — go not, uncalled by the 
providence of God, into places and scenes where you may 
be exposed ; if you do, you thwart the design of your 
best friend, c grieve the Spirit,' and provoke him to 
abandon you to the consequences of your folly and per- 
verseness. Eve fell by incautiously suffering her ears to 
listen to the tempter's voice, and her eyes to gaze on the 



THE HUNGRY SOUL. 205 

forbidden fruit. Peter fell by imprudently venturing 
into the very place where his courage would be put to 
the severest trial. When temptation assails you, attempt 
not to resist it in your own strength, but cry fervently 
to the Holy Spirit to 6 help your infirmities.' A faithful 
sentinel, discovering the approach of an enemy, attempts 
not to oppose them himself; but at once informs the 
commander, and leaves him to employ means for repell- 
ing the foe. Act in like manner, and when you see your 
spiritual enemies approaching, tell God of it in prayer ; 
ask him to provide a way for their resistance, and to 
i perfect his strength in your weakness.' " 

" But if we maintain this absolute dependence on the 
Spirit, may not some so pervert the doctrine, as to sup- 
pose that they may be inactive, unconcerned ; neglectful 
of the duties of religion?" 

u It may be abused, like all the other doctrines of 
Scripture ; but it is not a just inference from the view 
which has been taken of the Spirit's help ; for we are 
to c work out our salvation with fear and trembling, while 
he worketh within us.' They who indulge such sloth on 
account of the promised assistance of the Holy Spirit, 
give certain evidence that he is not their Guide, Teacher, 
Comforter and Intercessor ; for when he effectually acts 
upon the soul, he excites it to diligence ; when he im- 
parts special aid, as I have already told you, he gives it 
to those who are active, diligent, and persevering in the 
use of means ; when he grants a victory, he f teaches 
our hands to war, and our fingers to fight.' " 

" Should we omit prayer, except when we feel the 
present impulse of the Spirit?" 

"By no means;" for we are required to 'prayal- 
10* 



206 PASTORAL REMINISCENCES. 

ways' — to be 'instant in prayer.' When the season 
arrives in which you are accustomed to have intercourse 
with God, go forward to the duty, whatever may be your 
feelings, however great your difficulties ; and, in the 
attempted service, you may find hinderances removed and 
your graces quickened ; you may obtain an unction, a 
fervour, and an enlargement both of thought and ex- 
pression, which will feelingly convince you that there is 
a Holy Spirit that c helpeth our infirmities.' My friend, 
what encouragement you have to pray ! You have the 
blood of the High Priest speaking for you in heaven, 
and the Spirit of God speaking for you on earth ; and 
the more you depend on this intercessor in your heart, 
and on that intercessor before the throne, the more pre- 
valent will be your supplications with the Holy One. 
Praise will be your peculiar work in the church trium- 
phant above ; let prayer be your predominant employ- 
ment in the church militant below. Say with David, 
(and may God give you strength to keep the resolution !) 
6 1 will give myself unto prayer.' " 

For several years this pious youth continued under 
my pastoral instruction. I saw him, as he advanced in 
years, pressing forward with diligence in the Christian 
course, visibly making great attainments in holiness, and 
going on " from strength to strength," in conformity to 
God and usefulness to man. I saw him settled in the world, 
and knew him afterwards in those changes which we must 
all undergo in this mutable state ; knew him in health and 
sickness, prosperity and adversity, suffering from the 
buffetings of Satan, and afflicted by spiritual darkness ; 
and I found him " steadfast and immoveable ;" watching 
over his conduct with severe scrutiny, and contending 



THE HUNGRY SOUL. 207 

for a victory over all his corruptions ; tenderly conscien- 
tious, and deeply affected by the omission of a single 
duty ; his life marked in an extraordinary degree by a 
reference to the will of God as the rule of his conduct, 
and to the influence of the Spirit as the only source of 
strength and peace. 

" Where'er he went 
This lesson still he taught, to fear no ill 
But sin, no being but Almighty God." 

If he be still living, I doubt not he is still " following 
on to know the Lord ;" and I trust, like Caleb, following 
him " fully" — " faint," in his own estimation, and yet 
,c pursuing" — sometimes shedding tears of contrition, 
and sometimes tears of joy ; still longing for the sup- 
plies of the Spirit, and from experience knowing that 
there is a Divine Agent who u helpeth our infirmities and 
maketh intercession for us with groanings that cannot be 
uttered." 

The foregoing interviews and conversation suggest 
several reflections. 

1. We are reminded of that internal conflict which is 
experienced by every true Christian. His heart is a 
field of battle, in which two opposite principles are con- 
tending : one, the corrupt nature, in which he was born, 
that is not entirely extinguished, and which is struggling 
to obtain the mastery ; the other, that grace which was 
implanted in regeneration, that destroys the dominion, 
though not the existence of sin, and which is the source 
of all holy desires, good thoughts, and pious actions. 
This is real and vital piety — it is not, as some imagine, 
a state of continued sorrow, nor, as others fondly fancy, 



208 PASTORAL REMINISCENCES. 

a state of uninterrupted joy ; it is rather a mixture of 
both, a conflict " between the flesh and the spirit," hum- 
bling us on account of what is in ourselves, and filling 
us with joy on account of what is in Christ ; oppressing 
us deeply by a sense of our sins, and yet inspiring us 
with gratitude for what has been done for us. 

This conflict is painful in its nature, and, to the Chris- 
tian, a source of the deepest abasement. Can any thing 
be more humiliating to him who truly loves God and de- 
sires to please him, than an inability to attain what he 
proposes ; to find himself always beneath the object of 
his wishes ; to feel in himself secret inclinations which 
oppose the progress of his graces ; a weight of corrup- 
tion which arrests the flight of his soul towards heaven, 
and continually draws him back towards sensible and 
forbidden objects 1 — " What !" is his language, "lam 
called to be pure, to bear the image of the Holy One, to 
imitate his perfections, to live in communion with him — 
this constitutes my joy and glory — to elevate me to this 
high rank, God has revealed himself to me — for this, 
Jesus Christ came into the world, died, arose, ascended, 
and intercedes — to attain this end, he has left me his 
word, example, and ordinances — for this, he has promised 
me his grace and Spirit. I acknowledge the value and 
efficacy of all these means, and desire to improve them — 
for this purpose I watch, pray, and examine my heart, 
but arrive not at the end of my calling ; c I find a law 
in my members warring against the law of my mind, 
and bringing me into captivity ;' I am continually meet- 
ing with some passion to combat, some weakness to re- 
form, some stain which dishonors my graces ; I find my 
habits of piety feeble and imperfect, and yet am sensible 



THE HUNGRY SOUL. 209 

that I am capable of far higher degrees of holiness. c O 
wretched man that I am, who shall deliver me from the 
body of this death'?' It is his grief and burden — the 
subject of the most poignant sorrow and the deepest 
humiliation. What causes him thus to weep 1 Not that 
which attracts the eye and arrests the attention of others, 
but the hidden evils of his heart. 

" His warfare is within — there evermore 
His fervent spirit labours." 

But this conflict, however painful, is yet honorable 
in its principle ; an indication of our being under the ' 
tuition of God ; an evidence of adoption into his family. 
It afibrds a new view of the beauties and excellencies 
of Scripture, the best characters in which were exer- 
cised with the same trials ; the promises of which are 
peculiarly delightful, because directed particularly to 
those who are maintaining the same conflict, and travel- 
ling through the same hostile country. It is also an 
evidence that we are not of the multitude who are 
hastening in the downward road to destruction. To 
them sin is no burden — it is their element, in which 
they find pleasure — they never sigh over the corrup- 
tions of their nature — they never express desires of 
deliverance from their iniquities, for they have never 
felt their evil — they know not what it is to mourn the 
absence of God, for they have never had the joys of 
his presence. But the true Christian is alive to all 
these feelings ; regards them as proofs that he is not 
left to perish in his sins ; and knows that if the soul 
be alive to God, it will be either enjoying his coun- 
tenance, or lamenting the absence of its light. If his 



210 PASTORAL REMINISCENCES. 

sins are a just cause of sorrow, his sorrow on account of 
sin is a just cause of joy ; and the more he cries, 
" ! wretched man that I am — who shall deliver me 
from the body of this death?" the more reason has he to 
add, " Thanks be to God, who giveth me the victory 
through our Lord Jesus Christ !" 

Those who have made the highest attainments in 
piety, are those who the most painfully feel this inward 
conflict ; who often sorrowfully exclaim : " I find a law 
in my members warring against the law of my mind- 
when I would do good, evil is present with me;" who, 
while they have sufficient evidence that they are the sub- 
jects of Divine grace, still feel that they are exposed to 
remaining depravity ; that their corruptions are striving 
to gain the ascendancy over their better principles and 
to deprive them of communion with their Heavenly 
Father. The higher their views of God, the deeper will 
be their self-condemnation, because from the very light 
that surrounds them, the more distinct will be the view 
of their imperfections and sins. — " I feel daily," said 
the devout Beveridge, " that my tears require to be 
washed in the blood of Christ, and that my repentance 
needs to be repented of." — The spiritually-minded Dod- 
dridge, who habitually lived so near to God, had the 
same humility and deep sense of his sins — the esteem of 
the world, instead of elating his mind, only produced 
more lowly self-abasement. In one of his last letters 
to his friend Orton, written not very long before his 
death, he says : " I have great need of using the Publi- 
can's prayer, * God be merciful to me, a sinner ;' to me 
an unprofitable servant, who have deserved long since to 
have been cast out of his family. I am weak and unsta- 



THE HUNGRY SOUL. 211 

ble as water. My frequent deadness and coldness in 
religion sometimes presses me down to the dust ; and 
methinks it is best when it does so. How could I bear 
to look up to heaven, were it not for the righteousness 
and blood of a Redeemer ? I have been reading the life 
of excellent Mr. Brainerd, and it has greatly humbled 
and quickened me. Pray for me, that God may fill my 
soul with his presence ; that Christ may live and reign 
in my heart, and that love to him and zeal for him may 
swallow up every other passion ; that I may have more 
confirmed resolutions for the best of masters ; of whom, 
when I get a lively view, I know not how to have done 
thinking or speaking of him." 

2. How great is the difference between the conflict in 
the believer's heart , and that which is maintained by 
the unrenewed sinner. The latter does seem at times 
to struggle against sin, to mourn over it, and to strive to 
forsake it — sometimes the understanding opposes the 
passions ; sometimes conscience combats the will ; some- 
times one passion is labouring against the gratification of 
another. But he contends against sin only because it 
leads to misery ; trembles as did Ahab, only because of 
the Divine denunciations ; shudders, as did Felix, only on 
account of "judgment to come;" knows no higher mo- 
tive than self-love, and no other principle than fear of 
the vengeance of the Almighty. The Christian, on the 
contrary, contends with sin not merely because it is 
dangerous, but because it is odious ; not merely because 
God will punish it, but because it is contrary to his law ; 
not merely because it is opposed to his own future hap- 
piness, but because it is repugnant to his present inclina- 
tions and desires. The sinner struggles against gross 



212 PASTORAL REMINISCENCES. 

transgressions, sins that startle the conscience, and 
offences that would be productive of ignominy and loss ; 
but he is not strenuous in resisting those that are secret, 
reputable, or that are deemed small — he is always 
ready to plead, " Spare it, for it is a little one ;" always 
reserving some Agag from the general devastation. The 
Christian, on the contrary, makes peace with no sin, and 
opposes the whole host of iniquities — pursues with hos- 
tility those that are secret as well as those that are pub- 
lic ; those that are found in the heart, as well as those 
which are manifested to the world ; those that are sanc- 
tioned by custom and interest, as well as those that 
would disgrace him among men. The means which the 
sinner employs in the conflict are worldly fears and self- 
ish hopes ; but faith, hope and love are the weapons em- 
ployed by the Christian in the spiritual contest. The 
natural combat is followed by no victory — however long 
it be maintained, sin is still loved and practised — it 
leaves its subject equally exposed to the next temptation 
that assaults him. Ahab, notwithstanding the tempo- 
rary horror of his conscience, and outward humiliation, 
found sin soon reviving in all its vigour ; and Herod's 
struggles restrained him not from imbruing his hands 
with the blood of John the Baptist. The spiritual con- 
flict, on the contrary, always tends to mortify the power 
and subdue the strength of sin, fortifies the believer 
against corruption, and by accustoming him to the use 
of his weapons, teaching the arts of his enemies, inspir- 
ing with courage, and giving a full experience of the 
Spirit's help, prepares him to " bear hardness as a good 
soldier of Jesus Christ." — The corruptions of the sinner, 
left to themselves, or nursed in self-indulgence, are daily 



THE HUNGRY SOUL. 



13 



gaining strength, and are like the "cloud" seen by the 
prophet, which at first was of the size of a" man's 
hand," but which at length covered and darkened the 
whole sky. The corruptions of the Christian, on the 
contrary, are like the fig-tree, withering under the curse 
of the Redeemer. Every day sees the transgressor fitter 
for destruction ; every day sees the believer riper for 
glory ; until at length the voice of Judgment is heard, 
and the one passes away to eternal happiness, and the 
other to everlasting misery. 

3. How dear is the expectation of heaven to those who 
are engaged in the spiritual conflict. Our situation 
would indeed be sad, if these combats were to endure 
forever ; if sin, this " evil and bitter thing," were always 
to cleave to us, withering our joys, obscuring our graces, 
and preventing a near access to the mercy-seat. Here 
we fluctuate between hope and fear : often hang our 
harps upon the willows, water cur couch with tears, and 
suffer all the fury of the tempest. But blessed be God, 
the warfare is not always to continue — there is a day of 
triumph and season of rest. God has promised it — the 
Saviour has purchased it — the Holy Spirit prepares us 
for its enjoyment — the declaration of the Redeemer is 
u yea, and amen" — " He that overcometh will I give to 
sit upon my throne, even as I also overcame, and sit 
down with my Father upon his throne." 

This state of perfect holiness, succeeding one of im- 
perfection and sin, should be ever before our eyes, and 
the constant object of our aspirations. How should we 
sigh for that happy moment which shall put an end to 
all our combats, and change our groans and tears of sor- 
row into songs of victory and triumph ! " What !" may 



214 



PASTORAL REMINISCENCES. 



every Christian say — a a day is coming when I shall no 
longer experience that mournful opposition of i the flesh' 
which now afflicts me — no longer be checked in my pro- 
gress by the weight of corruption — no longer have any 
other desire but that of serving, pleasing and obeying 
God. ' I would not live alway,' to mourn over the re- 
mains of depravity, to lament the perverseness of my 
will, the hardness of my heart, the blemishes of my 
prayers, the weakness of all my graces, and the inac- 
tivity of all my powers. ' I would not live alway' to 
complain of a ' law in my members, warring against the 
law of my mind ;' to be obliged daily to exclaim, c O ! 
wretched man that I am !' I hate this c body of sin,' 
and wish it to be thoroughly removed. I would look 
with grateful expectation to heaven, as the region of per- 
fect purity ; where there are no more doubts and fears, 
no more coldness and indifference in the Saviour's ser- 
vice ; where there is not one hard heart or languid wor- 
shipper ; for all, in that immortal residence, are under 
the immediate rays of the c sun of righteousness.' I 
would be there, where there is no spiritual darkness ; 
where I shall be illumined by the glory of God ; where 
the light of his countenance shall shine upon every step 
that I take, brighten all my way, and secure me from 
ever again wandering from the path of righteousness. I 
would be there, where the noblest desire of my heart 
shall be fulfilled ; where I shall be clothed with the 
robes of perfect purity ; where the severest scrutiny of 
the seraphim can discern in me no vestige of pollution ; 
where I shall love God with all my heart, soul, strength 
and mind;' and where he shall reveal to me all the 
strength and tenderness of his affection, and enkindle 



THE HUNGRY SOUL. 215 

within me a flame so intense as. is known only to angels, 
and the ' spirits of the just made perfect.' Hail, happy 
day, when it shall be thus with me ; when this i earthly 
tabernacle' shall be dissolved, and I shall be delivered 
from my sins and sorrows ; when I shall no more need 
promises or threatenings — the one to comfort, the other 
to quicken me ; when I shall have glorious and uninter- 
rupted views of my Redeemer, and the sweetest, fullest 
manifestations of his power and love ! Hail, happy pe- 
riod, that shall re-unite me to pious friends, the remem- 
brance of whom is dear to me ; with whom I prayed, 
and wept, and conversed, and went ' to the house of God 
in company ;' and who have gone before me to the en- 
joyment of the Saviour, and 

— " now walk with God, 
High in salvation, and the climes of bliss." 

I would renew with them the sympathies of Christian 
friendship ; again mingle with them ; again enjoy their 
society ; not as I once did, when they were suffering and 
afflicted, but now, when 'former things are passed 
away ; 9 when l God has wiped all tears from their 
eyes ;' when ' there is no more death, nor sorrow, nor 
crying, neither any more pain." 

" Some I remember and will ne'er forget ; 
My early friends, friends of my evil day ; 
Friends in my mirth, friends in my misery too, 
Friends given by God in mercy and in love ; 
My counsellors, my comforters and guides, 
My joy in grief, my second bliss in joy ; 
Companions of my young desires ; in doubt 
My oracles, my wings in high pursuit. 



216 PASTORAL REMINISCENCES. 

! I remember, and will ne'er forget 

Our meeting spots, our chosen sacred hours ; 

Our burning words, -that uttered all the soul; 

Our faces beaming with unearthly love ; 

Sorrow with sorrow sighing, hope with hope 

Exulting, heart embracing heart entire. 

These I remember, these selectest men ; 

And would their names record — but what avails 

My mention of their names ? before the throne, 

They stand illustrious 'mong the loudest harps,'* 



THE WRONG STEP. 217 



CHAPTER IX. 

THE WRONG STEP. 

" Still raise for good the supplicating voice, 
But leave to Heaven the measure and the choice ; 
Implore his aid — in his decision rest, 
Secure, whate'er he gives, he gives the best." 

It is impossible for us fully to know in what particular 
manner Providence interposes in human affairs, and in- 
fluences the thoughts and counsels of men. But we are 
certain that such an overruling influence is exerted in 
the whole moral, as well as natural world ; and we could 
not conceive of God acting as the governor of the uni- 
verse, unless his government extend to every creature 
that exists, and to every event which occurs. No truth 
is more sensibly felt by the real Christian than this ; 
and amidst all his trials and difficulties, none is the 
ground of such firm support, and the source of such rich 
consolation. It is his undoubted privilege to feel himself 
under the special conduct of God in things temporal and 
spiritual ; and if he wait upon him with confidence and 
faith, he may expect the Divine hand interposing in his 
affairs, and directing him in the way of duty and safety, 
agreeably to the declaration, u A good man's steps are 
ordered by the Lord." He knows, however, that he has 
a part to act ; and while the wicked follow only the max- 
ims of human wisdom and worldly prudence, he is con- 



218 PASTORAL REMINISCENCES. 

cerned to have God going before him in every step, and 
pointing out his way clearly and distinctly ; he would 
not, dare not, walk at random, sensible that the path of 
duty is the only path of safety and comfort. But at 
times it is most difficult to find this path, and to be sure 
that we hear God's voice, saying, > c This is the way ; 
walk ye in it." 

These thoughts are suggested by the recollection of 
the following conversation on this subject, and the result 
that followed. 

Learning that a member of my church was about 
taking a step which, if not evil in itself, would certainly 
lead to disastrous consequences — to his injury as a Chris- 
tian and to the reproach of religion — I called upon him, 
tenderly to reason, kindly to remonstrate, and to lead 
him, if possible, to abandon his purpose. He had for 
some time been inattentive to his religious duties, neglect- 
ful of the society of his Christian brethren, and main- 
taining an unnecessary intercourse, even friendship, with 
the irreligious and profane. He had also more than once 
intimated that we were laying too much stress on inward 
religion ; a point to which I resolved to allude, when an 
opportunity occurred. After conversing on other topics 
for a few minutes, the subject of religion was gradually 
introduced ; reference was made to the evidences of 
piety, of its growth and decline. 

I observed : "In examining ourselves on this point, 
and determining our own conduct, we should not be satis- 
fied with the surface, but look within ; the state and con- 
dition of the heart determine the character in the sight 
of God ; and to that we should direct our principal atten- 
tion, that our opinion of ourselves may conform, as far 



THE WRONG STEP. 



219 






as possible, to his judgment. We judge of others from 
external appearances ; with their motives we have nothing 
to do ; if their actions be good, we are led by Christian 
charity to suppose that they proceed from a good source ; 
and if our judgment should be erroneous, society will 
suffer no serious injury from our opinion. Not so, how- 
ever, with ourselves ; we have a power over our own 
hearts that we have not over those of others ; and if we 
err here, we make a mistake fatal to our souls. The 
conduct cannot be a true and infallible index of the state 
of the mind ; for good actions, or those that are reputed 
good, may proceed from bad principles. The exhibition 
of his treasures to the ambassadors from Babylon was 
not so much the sin of Hezekiah, as the motive which 
prompted him — vanity and pride." 

He immediately replied : " But are we not told, ' He 
that doeth righteousness is righteous V and does not the 
Saviour expressly say, ' By their fruits ye shall know 
them?' " 

"It is true that we are to know ourselves ' by our 
fruits,' but how are we to know that the fruit is good ? 
Merely from a fair and beautiful exterior % There is 
much of that kind that is corrupt within. Indeed, if 
you were to act upon this principle, you might chance to 
find your death ; for there are many poisonous trees 
which bear a beautiful and tempting fruit — pleasant to 
the eye and grateful to the taste, but destructive to the 
life. It is precisely so with moral fruit ; it must be ex- 
amined and known, whether it be sound within, and 
really as good as its appearance indicates." 

After some further conversation on this subject, in 
which he was brought to acknowledge the necessity of 



220 



PASTORAL REMINISCENCES. 



examining our motives as well as actions, he alluded to the 
step which he was about to take ; hoped that he was in- 
fluenced bj good principles in the view that he had of 
it, and believed that it would tend essentially to his 
own benefit and that of his family. 

" What means have you used to ascertain your duty Vi 
" I regard it as a call of Providence, and think that 
I shall be following its leadings." 

" That expression, ' leadings of Providence,' which is 
so often heard, it seems to me is frequently misappre- 
hended. Some suppose that, when in peculiar perplexity 
they are asking for direction, they are to look for a kind 
of special revelation ; for such an expression of God's 
will as Abraham had, when commanded to leave his 
father's house, or as Jonah had, when he was ordered to 
preach at Nineveh ; that when they are thinking of form- 
ing a new relation, engaging in a new employment, or 
removing to a new situation, some one circumstance is 
to determine the indication of the Divine will — that if 
that circumstance be properly interpreted, the will of 
God can be ascertained, but if misinterpreted, it is re- 
sisted. Such a view of the subject disqualifies the mind 
for the exercise of a proper judgment and sound dis- 
cretion ; fills with presumption men of a sanguine dis- 
position, and leads them to regard their ardent wishes 
as their duty ; and inspires with fear, and even terror, 
those of a melancholy temperament and scrupulous con- 
science. Is it scriptural? is it reasonable? is it not 
giving too much stress to a single circumstance, and 
making that, instead of the word of God, the rule of 
action ? Providence, in itself, it appears to me, does not 
make known to us any thing, exclusive of the word of 



THE WRONG STEP. 221 

Revelation ; if it did, we could not say that the Scrip- 
ture was our only guide and rule. By the expression, 
' voice, or dictates of Providence,' we can mean nothing 
more than the language of God in his word, concerning 
our duty in the present situation in which we are placed 
— in affliction, teaching us to be humble and submissive — 
in prosperity, to be thankful — in temptation, to be watch- 
ful. When persons in a perplexed state are seeking for 
- the will of God/ we are to understand by the expression, 
not that ' secret ' will which has determined the event, 
which we are not to know 5 into which we are not per- 
mitted to intrude ; for the knowledge of which even a 
desire is unwarrantable and unsafe ; but that which is 
revealed in Scripture, which directs us how to act, 
what method to employ, and what course to pursue. — 
Rebecca made not this distinction in her conduct to- 
wards Isaac, when the blessing was conferred upon her 
son — and the consequence was awful and inexcusable 
sin. She knew that the blessing was intended by God 
for Jacob ; and made the purposes of the Almighty, and 
not his precepts, the rule of her conduct ; aimed to pre- 
vent those purposes from being defeated, and supposed 
that the necessity of the case fully authorized her action. 
But who can justify her conduct 1 She imposed upon 
her husband by means of his infirmity, and tempted her 
son to the commission of falsehood and deception. God 
approved not of her conduct, though he overruled it for 
the fulfilment of his purposes ; far from sanctioning 
falsehood and fraud, he showed his displeasure both 
against her and Jacob, for their parts in the transac- 
tion." 

" But what should Rebecca have done % Here was 
11 



222 PASTORAL REMINISCENCES. 

her husband about to act contrary to the Divine inten- 
tion ; was she to be silent, and let him confer the bless- 
ing upon Esau 1" 

" Done ! any thing but sin — nothing can justify that. 
She might have used lawful means for the attainment of 
her end ; have reasoned the matter with Isaac ; have 
meekly shown him the mistake which he was on the point 
of making ; have reminded him of the revelation which 
God had given of his will, in this matter ; and to per- 
suasion and argument might have added strong faith 
and fervent prayer. Such conduct she should have 
used, instead of the crooked policy which she pursued ; 
and by such means, would have honoured God and her 
family, instead of bringing upon herself guilt, shame, 
and sorrow." 

So good an opportunity at this moment occurred of 
presenting truths which I am sure would be applicable, 
that I proceeded — " Now, there are many in the world 
who make strong pretensions to morality and religion, 
who act upon the same principle as did Rebecca. For- 
getting that the word of God is the only standard of 
duty, they, at times, argue and act as if they had the 
liberty of substituting some other rule ; they seem to 
think that if the end in view be good, it is of no con- 
sequence by what means it may be attained. Nothing 
is more dangerous than this principle — the law of God 
must regulate the means ; and whatever good comes from 
the evil, that evil cannot, on that account, be in the least 
degree excused. — But let us return to the subject we were 
discussing — the question is, How, in a case of doubt and 
difficulty, are we to know the way which God seems to 
point out ? how, when entering on a new undertaking, 



THE WRONG STEP. 223 

an important enterprise, are we to learn the indications 
of Divine approbation?" 

" When the way is easy, may we not suppose it to be 
the path which Providence points out V 

" Not at all — for in such a way, he does not always — 
I may add, he does not generally, lead his people ; but 
on the contrary, into difficult paths, to humble and prove 
them, and show them what is in their hearts. If the 
ease with which a thing may be accomplished is to be 
considered a providential intimation of God's will, we 
may justify the grossest crimes. Hazael knew from 
God that he was to be king of Syria in his master's 
room, and that master he easily and secretly dispatched ; 
but who will say that the convenient opportunity thus 
afforded him of committing murder was a Divine intima- 
tion that he was thus to act 1 David, on the other hand, 
had a Divine promise that he should be king of Israel, 
and was anointed for this purpose. Under these circum- 
stances, he once found Saul, in a defenceless state, in a 
cave ; he could have easily slain him, and thus opened 
a way of immediate access to the throne ; he was ad- 
vised to do it by Abishai, who pronounced it a ' provi- 
dential call' — 6 God hath delivered thine enemy into 
thy hand ' — but David had more knowledge of his duty, 
and would not ' put forth his hand to hurt the Lord's 
anointed.' " 

" May not the way of duty be discovered by strong 
impressions upon the mind V? 

u I know that many place great confidence in such 
impressions, suppose that they come from God, and re- 
gard them as indications of his will. But we must not 
depend upon them, nor ever forget that they may come 



224 PASTORAL REMINISCENCES. 

from a bad, as well as a good source ; that Satan can 
infuse thoughts into the mind, and, to gain his purpose, 
transform himself into an ■ angel of light ;' or that they 
may be the delusions of our own corrupt hearts. They 
who make them their rule and standard, who think that 
they must act thus and thus, because it is impressed 
upon their minds, are often deceived, and, in consequence 
of this undue reliance, become habitually unsteady in 
conduct, and unhappy in feeling. All impressions must 
be brought to the touchstone of Scripture ; scrupulously 
tried by this only rule ; if they agree with it, then they 
may be attended to, as an evidence that they come from 
God, for he never impresses any thing upon the mind 
which is not conformable to his word." 

" May not our inclinations and desires be indicative of 
God's will 1 ?" 

" Surely not — through the depravity of our hearts, 
our inclinations may be corrupt ; we may have a propen- 
sity to that which sound discretion opposes, and against 
which conscience, if consulted, would remonstrate ; and 
an aversion to that which the word and providence of 
God make our duty. Miserable indeed should we be, if 
we were to follow the bent of our inclinations. We have 
melancholy instances of this in Scripture. David, in the 
midst of his difficulties, and apprehensions that he would 
1 fall into the hands of Saul,' and perish, instead of con- 
sulting the oracle, followed his own inclinations, and 
escaped to * the land of the Philistines.' Scarcely had 
he entered the court of Achish, before he was guilty of 
sinful equivocation ; he was afterwards ordered to fight 
against Israel, and at last deprived of his property, and 
stripped of all his family. — Lot, too, was influenced by 



THE WRONG STEP. 225 

his inclinations to choose the c vale of Sodom,' because 
it ' was well watered, like the garden of the Lord ;' and 
was afterwards induced to reside in the city ; and you 
know the consequence, how his ' righteous soul was 
vexed from day to day by the unlawful deeds' of the 
inhabitants ; how he was burned out ; how he lost his 
property and his wife ; and how his daughters — ! 
it would have been better if they had remained and 
perished in the flames. — Thus we prove the greatest 
enemies to ourselves when we follow only our inclinations 
and wishes. But though these are not to be the rule 
of our duty, still, in making a choice, we must consult 
our genius and capacity, and consider whether they be 
suitable to that course of life which we think of pursu- 
ing ; whether we can succeed in that station which we 
have an idea of occupying ; whether we have abilities to 
carry us through that labour which we have a thought of 
undertaking; and whether the issue will be for our 
credit, or incur the censure of rashness and presump- 
tion. With all these qualifications, inclination is no 
rule or standard of duty." 

" How, then, (for as yet you have only spoken nega- 
tively,) are we to know the will of God, and learn our 
duty under doubtful providences V 

" Forget not the distinction already alluded to, which 
must be made between the secret and revealed will of 
God — a distinction recognized in Scripture : £ Secret 
things belong unto the Lord our God ; but those things 
which are revealed belong unto us and to our children'— r 
the first are the rule of his own actions ; the latter are our 
rule, and that only in which we are concerned. Some, in 
ancient times, had personal and special discoveries of the 
11* 



226 PASTORAL REMINISCENCES. 

Divine will made to them ; as had Samuel about the choice 
of the person who was to be anointed king ; as had David, 
when about to engage in the expedition against the Phi- 
listines at Keilah. But we have no Urim and Thum- 
mim, and can therefore expect no extraordinary revela- 
tions from God ; we are confined to the ordinary 
standing rule of his written word. Although we have 
this complete volume of his will, yet we are often per- 
plexed in our thoughts, and know not what course to 
take ; afraid of displeasing God, if we take this step, or 
offending him if we take that — finding the inability to 
decide arising not merely from the difficulty of the case, 
and from our ignorance and inadvertence, but often from 
the providences themselves, which are no clear rule of 
duty ; we say of them as Job did, ' Behold I go forward, 
but God is not there, and backward, but I cannot per- 
ceive him ; on the left hand, where he doth work, but I 
cannot behold him ; he hideth himself on the right hand 
that I cannot see him.' — We may, however, in general 
learn our duty, if we be faithful in the use of all the 
means which God has appointed; for we have many 
encouraging promises — ' In all thy ways acknowledge 
Him, and he will direct thy paths' — ' He will guide the 
meek in judgment, and teach his way' — ' All the paths of 
the Lord are mercy and truth to such as keep his cove- 
nant and his testimonies' — ' What man is he that feareth 
the Lord 1 Him shall he teach in the way that he shall 
choose.' These promises imply the habit of holy inter- 
course and humble communion with God ; a 'deep sense 
of his providence governing all our affairs ; a firm and 
practical belief in its extent to the most minute concern 
and incident. Prayer, then, is an important means ; 
earnest, serious, submissive prayer to God, that he would 



THE WRONG STEP. 227 

lead our thoughts by his Spirit into such a view of the 
directions of his word as to enable us to discern the path 
of duty ; that he would so order affairs in his providence 
as to make our way clear upon the principles of an en- 
lightened conscience and sound reason ; that he would so 
incline our hearts as to make us ready to take such steps 
as will advance the Divine glory and promote our real 
good — £ If any of you lack wisdom let him ask of God, 
who giveth to all men liberally and upbraideth not, and 
it shall be given him.' Such prayer may be accompa- 
nied with religious fastings, as was the the supplication 
of Ezra — ' Then I proclaimed a fast at the river of Aha- 
va that we might afflict ourselves before our God, to 
seek of him a right way for us, and for our little ones, 
and for all our substance.' We must be careful, how- 
ever, lest we make our frames in prayer the rule of 
forming our judgment. I have known persons who have 
done this ; who have supposed, to use their own expres- 
sion, that if their hearts were ' enlarged' in pleading for 
an object, and if they were ' free' in the expression of 
their wants, it was a token of the favour of God, and 
that the contrary feelings were an indication of denial — 
with such views and expectations, they would regulate 
their actions. Nothing can be more uncertain and erro- 
neous than this rule of judgment ; nothing can expose 
us to more danger of being misled, and of having our 
faith shaken and our hope weakened by continual disap- 
pointment." 

" Are there other means that you recommend should 
be used V* 

" We should consult and search the word of God. 
Of how many may it be said : '. Ye do err, not knowing 



228 PASTORAL REMINISCENCES. 

the Scripture.' That, as David said, is ' a light to our 
feet ;' it directs us to duties to be performed, and dan- 
gers to be avoided ; it is the c oracle' to be consulted in 
time of need, whose responses are easily heard, and from 
whose decision there is no appeal. ' Thy word have I 
hid in my heart, that I may not sin against thee' — ' A 
good understanding have all they that keep thy law.' 
We should diligently search the Scriptures, and learn 
whether there be any case there which is similar to our 
own, and that suits our condition ; and if there be no 
analogous circumstance, there are principles which we 
can apply, upon which we may safely act, and from 
which we can derive light and conviction. It contains 
sufficient rules and directions for every part of conduct ; 
and an enlarged acquaintance with it will be most use- 
ful in cases of doubt and perplexity, will enable those 
who study it with humility and prayer to select such in- 
structions as will be adapted to their situation, and may 
at length lead them to a wise and enlightened decision." 

•f But I have known persons who have professed thus 
to read the Scriptures and pray to God, who evidently 
took a wrong step, and acted indiscreetly." 

" Something more is necessary — to stop here would 
be acting presumptuously We must exercise our rea- 
son ; for though we are commanded, ' Lean not unto 
thine own understanding,' yet we are not forbidden to 
exercise it. As rational and accountable beiogs we 
should examine and ponder the case in our minds ; part- 
icularly observe all the circumstances ; turn our 
thoughts in every direction ; view our situation from 
every point ; and then compare it with the rules of duty 
and prudence laid before us in Scripture. We should go 



THE WRONG STEP. 229 

further ; we should consult with judicious friends, to receive 
from their advice the light which Ave need, for in most 
cases, c in the multitude of counsellors there is safety.' 
There are many who err here — they £ lean to their own 
understanding,' in preference to that of others who are 
far superior to them in capacity and knowledge, act con- 
trary to the sentiments and wishes of the wise and good, 
and make fatal mistakes which affect them through life. 
How often have I seen this, particularly among the 
young, who have need of a guide, and who want that 
practical wisdom which is the effect of observation and 
experience. In the use of these means we must beware 
of .prejudice, keep the mind honest and candid, unbiassed 
by passion, ready to know and practise duty. It is of 
no little consequence to have acquired a habit of Chris- 
tian self-denial ; if we be defective here, our judgment 
may be easily warped, and we may be like many who, 
under the idea of ' following the leadings of Providence,' 
hastily take the way of ease or inclination, instead of 
seriously studying, and deliberately adopting the only 
rule of duty. If after the use of these means, we be 
still in a state of suspense, then we must 6 wait upon 
God ;' we shall find it a difficult duty, for when our 
minds are fixed upon an object, our time is always ready, 
and hence we are apt to go before our guide. c Tarry 
thou the Lord's leisure,' is most needful counsel ; £ wait 
upon him, and keep his way,' is the great secret in this 
whole affair ; i wait upon the Lord, be of good courage, 
and he shall strengthen thine heart- — wait, I say, upon 
the Lord.' " 

I paused a little time before I made any application 
of the truth to his own case ; finding him silent, and 



230 PASTORAL REMINISCENCES. 

indisposed to make objections, I continued : " You per- 
ceive, my friend, what is your duty in your present situ- 
ation. I would affectionately say to you, if after due 
deliberation, serious consultation, and earnest prayer, 
you find the step which you think of taking unlawful and 
imprudent, reject it at once as contrary to the will of 
God. Determine always on the safest side, and if your 
mind scruple about the lawfulness of a thing, duty re- 
quires you to abstain from it without hesitation. c Happy 
is the man that condemneth not himself in the thing he 
alloweth.' In this case, have a steady eye to God's 
glory ; let this be the grand principle of your conduct, 
and the chief spring of all your actions. If this, and 
your spiritual good be supreme in your mind, it will be 
a safe and useful guide in your enquiries. Let the true 
fear of God be upon your heart; be really afraid of 
offending him, and then you may hope for his blessing, 
agreeably to his promise — ' the secret of the Lord is 
with them that fear him.' Lay to heart that excellent 
rule — c in all thy ways, acknowledge him 5 — acknowledge 
his word, by consulting it as your rule ; his providence, 
by observing all its dealings ; his wisdom, by implicit 
trust ; his sovereignty, by cheerful acquiescence ; his faith- 
fulness, by humble reliance ; his kindness, by ardent 
gratitude, 'and he will direct your path;' he will give 
you that i wisdom which is profitable to direct,' an en- 
lightened conscience and pious feelings ; keep you from 
turning aside into the ■ paths of error,' enable you to exer- 
cise sound reason and discretion, and dispose you to make 
a right choice, and to form a proper decision. 

I left him with these reflections, intending to visit him 
again in a day or two, and to learn the result. I did 



THE WRONG STEP. 231 

visit him ; but found him wholly uninfluenced by what 
had been presented, and listening to other considerations 
without conviction, if not with indifference ; plainly 
showing that he was bent upon the consummation of his 
purpose. He yielded to the seductions of irreligious 
acquaintance, instead of following the counsel of Chris- 
tian friends, and entered into an unwise and rash engage- 
ment, which led to consequences the most lamentable and 
sinful. It is painful to recall those consequences, and 
to reflect upon scenes which made the rest of his life 
wretched, supplied matter for unceasing remorse, and 
convinced us that he never had any truly religious 
principle. He lives in my memory as a warning against 
the rejection of the word of God as a guide, and the for- 
mation of improper connexions with those who are not 
the friends of the Redeemer. 

1. We learn the sad consequences of not acknowledg- 
ing God in our ways. We perceive its effect in this 
departure from the ways of virtue, and the consequent 
misery that ensued — loss of reputation, privation of hap- 
piness, and injury to the cause of religion. But not only 
among the openly irreligious, and in self-deluded profes- 
sors, do we observe it, but also, in a degree, among the 
truly pious. They feel not their entire dependence and 
the need of direction from above ; they engage in new 
undertakings, make material changes, and enter on im- 
portant enterprises without consulting the Divine provi- 
dence or word ; or if they attempt to " acknowledge God 
in their ways," they perform not their whole duty ; to 
some parts they are attentive, in others they are defi- 
cient ; they may u call upon his name," and consult the 
Scriptures, and yet not exercise caution, care, and dili- 



232 PASTORAL REMINISCENCES. 

gence ; or they may vigorously use their own powers and 
efforts, and not seek " the wisdom which cometh from 
above." It is not surprising that they are so often un- 
successful. They may complain of Providence, and 
may complain of men ; but the fault will be found to be 
entirely their own. To the want of " acknowledging 
God in all their ways," may be attributed that rash and 
precipitate conduct, that imprudence and self-ignorance, 
that want of self-possession and perseverance, which pro- 
duced their disappointments. 

2. A very common error is seen in the world — much 
of what men call the leadings of Providence is their 
being led into temptation. They neglect to " watch and 
pray," to offer the petition, " lead us not into tempta- 
tion;" and God leaves them to a walk in the way of 
their heart, and the sight of their eyes ;" he does not 
directly allure and incite them to sin, but permits them 
to rush into scenes of temptation. He permits it to 
develope their true character, and it has this effect. 
How many do we see who once acted firmly in resisting 
sin, carried away by new temptations on a change of 
circumstances ; many who seemed humble in one station 
becoming proud and scornful in another ; many who ap- 
peared upright in prosperity yielding to new trials in 
adversity ; many who forgave their enemy when they 
had no power to revenge themselves, becoming violent 
and resentful the moment that enemy was within their 
grasp. For a while a man is not known, either by the 
world or by himself, to be w T hat he really is ; but bring 
him into a new situation of life which accords with his 
predominant disposition, which awakens certain latent 
qualities, and his true character fully appears. This 



THE WRONG STEP. 233 

" leading into temptation" for the development of char- 
acter, men often call the " leadings of Providence ;" un- 
der this impression they court worldly honours, form 
sinful connexions, plunge into unnecessary cares, and 
ardently covet lucrative situations. If the Scripture 
approve a measure, and the way be distinctly opened, 
then we may walk in it with safety ; but miserable is 
the condition of those who grasp at every opportunity to 
obtain riches and honours, and regard it as an " opening 
of Providence ;" a path that has been prepared for them, 
and which they may securely pursue. What is this but 
presumptuously leaving the word of God, and endeavour- 
ing to soothe the conscience by means the most unlaw- 
ful ? Though there be no necessary connexion between 
temptation and sin, yet he who dreads not the one, fears 
not the other ; he who goes deliberately into this con- 
test, cannot expect to retire from it unhurt ; he may not 
be utterly destroyed, but he may have marks and im- 
pressions that may long remain upon his imagination, a 
source of guilt and shame. How necessary, then, to 
exercise holy fear and self-distrust ; to" flee from all 
appearance of evil ;" to escape every temptation that can 
be avoided ; and to expose ourselves to none without abso- 
lute necessity. How necessary to " watch and pray, that 
we enter not into temptation ;" we may encounter it, but 
we must not " enter into it" — not voluntarily embrace, 
or have any inclination to comply with it — not throw our- 
selves into it, as a snare, and suffer from its influence. 
It is delightful to know that our spiritual interests will 
be advanced in proportion to the faithful resistance of 
temptation ; that wherever there is a signal victory over 



234 PASTORAL REMINISCENCES. 

Satan and our corruptions, there will be a more than 
ordinary measure of Divine consolation. 

3. Many good Christians unnecessarily distress them- 
selves, because they followed not the path of duty ; when 
they really performed all that was required in u acknowl- 
edging God in their ways." Because the path which 
they followed, led not to worldly prosperity and success, 
but to trials and disappointments, they reflect upon them- 
selves for neglect of duty, conclude that they wandered 
into a forbidden way, and say with Gideon, " If God be 
with us, how cometh all this evil upon us?" But if 
they acted conscientiously, received the word of God as 
their guide, and aimed at his glory as their end, they 
have no cause for self-condemnation. Have not those 
who have been most honoured in the world, been pre- 
pared for it in the school of adversity ? Was it not so 
with Moses, Job, Joseph, Jephtha, and thousands of oth- 
ers 1 God often leads his people into the path of sorrow 
for their usefulness and growth in grace, as well as for 
their higher enjoyment of spiritual comfort ; his promise 
is, not u I will abundantly bless them with temporal 
prosperity," but " I will bring them through the fire, 
and they shall be refined, as gold and silver are tried, 
and they shall say, the Lord is my God." A saint will 
serve God with as much love and cheerfulness, when 
poor, despised and afflicted, as in the most prosperous 
condition ; for one draught of the " river that maketh 
glad the city of our God above" can sweeten the bitter- 
ness of his cup ; a single " taste" that u the Lord is 
good" is an earnest of the " fulness of joy" in heaven ; 
a single leaf from u the tree of life" can refresh him 
with its fragrance, while he is passing through the wil- 



THE WRONG STEP. 235 

derness. He is in a safer state than if he were enjoying 
the smiles of the world. The piety of David was chilled 
with prosperity ; and of several of the kings of Judah, 
it may be said, that their religion was not so conspicu- 
ous on the throne as it was in their banishment. If the 
pleasure of taste is no indication of what is favourable 
for health, surely sense is much more incapable of judg- 
ing what is useful for the soul. Prosperity may be 
regarded as happiness, while at that very moment it is 
the deadliest poison; and adversity, though a bitter 
potion, may be necessary for the continuance of spiritual 
life. Christians, then, should not be distressed if, when 
they are " acknowledging God in their ways," he should 
direct their steps into a path strewed with thorns and 
briars. 

" Affliction is the good man's shining scene ; 
Prosperity conceals his brightest ray ; 
As night to stars, woe lustre gives to man." 

4. It is most uncharitable to attribute the peculiar 
afflictions of others to the peculiar sins of which they 
have been guilty. If, in the question, " what is the path 
of duty," the enquirer takes the path of error, pursues a 
course injurious to the interests of his soul, plainly for- 
bidden by Scripture, deeply deplored by the pious, and 
manifestly injurious to the cause of Christ ; then we may 
safely say that he " acknowledged" not " God in all his 
ways ;" that he prayed not with a devout spirit, nor 
consulted the inspired word with diligence, nor exercised 
Christian prudence and discretion. But this is very dif- 
ferent from the sentiment maintained and expressed by 
too many, that peculiar trials are proofs of peculiar 
guilt. If this life were all, and this world the scene of 



236 



PASTORAL REMINISCENCES. 



final reward and punishment, then we might expect the 
righteous to be uniformly prosperous, and the wicked 
uniformly wretched. But the Scriptures, on the con- 
trary, utter many declarations on the danger of pros- 
perity, the advantages of affliction, and the reverses that 
shall take place at the bar of judgment. The history of 
Job teaches us that the severest afflictions are sent for a 
different purpose. In that history we are permitted to 
pass behind the- scene, and observe the movements of 
Providence ; to see who afflicts and for what reason ; to 
hear the Divine Being pronouncing the highest encomi- 
um on the individual on whom the heaviest blow is about 
to fall — " My servant Job ; a perfect and an upright 
man, one that feareth God, and escheweth evil." The 
same truth is taught by our Saviour, in what he says of 
those on whom " the tower of Siloam fell." The lan- 
guage of God is, " As many as I love, I rebuke and 
chasten." These trials are the visitations of a father's 
hand ; steps in the process by which he is preparing his 
children for usefulness here, and glory hereafter. Never, 
then, should we conclude with Job's friends, that he who 
is much afflicted, is peculiarly wicked, and has incurred 
the anger of God. When a man's conscience can apply 
his afflictions to his own sins, it is reasonable that he 
should accept them as the punishment of his iniquity, 
and make them an argument for repentance ; but we 
should never make them an occasion of censure and con- 
demnation to others. " Happy is the man whom God 
correcteth." — " We call them happy" — not, who glitter, 
and triumph, and enjoy — but who " endure." 

" In this wide world, the fondest and the best 
Are the most tried, most troubled and distressed." 



M. W. DODD, 

PUBLISHER AND BOOKSELLER, 

Corner of Park Row and Spruce Sis , opposite City Hall, 
NEW YORK 

PUBLISHES AMONG OTHERS THE FOLLOWING : 

CHARLOTTE ELIZABETH'S WORKS. 

WITH AN INTRODUCTION 
BY MRS. HARRIET BEECHER STOWE, 

AND A PORTRAIT OF THE AUTHORESS 

2 Vols. 8vo., 

WITH SEVERAL ILLUSTRATIONS, 

ENGRAVED EXPRESSLY FOR THE WORE. 

The Publisher invites the attention of the public to this 
new Edition of one of the most popular and useful writers 
of thepresent age. It contains upwards of 1500 large octavo 
pages, and nearly thirty different productions; several of 
which in prose and poetry, make their first appearance in 
our country in this edition. All her volumes, excepting 
a few juveniles unsuited to a Standard Edition, are includ- 
ed in this, making, to all intents and purposes, a complete 
Edition of the Works of Charlotte Elizabeth. 

To the attractions of our former Editions we have added 
several engravings from steel, got up expressly for the 
work, as Illustrations and Embellishments. 

The news of the death of Mrs. Tonna has awakened a 
new interest in her writings. Among her last labors as an 
authoress, was the preparation for the press of Judeea 
Capta. This we received from Charlotte Elizabeth in 
manuscript, in advance of its publication in England, for 
this Edition of her works, which has her express endorse- 
ment, and is the only one in this country from which she 
has- dr-rivcd any pecuniary benefit. 



0PFN10M3 Or THE PRESS. 

" Charlotte Elizabeth's Works have become so univer- 
sally known, and are so highly and deservedly appreciated 
in this country, that it has become almost superfluous to 
praise them. We doubt exceedingly whether there has 
been any female writer since Hannah More, whose works 
are likely to be so extensively read and so profitably read 
as hers She thinks deeply and accurately, is a great an- 
alyst of the human heart, and withal clothes her ideas in 
most appropriate and eloquent language. The present 
edition, unlike any of its predecessors in this country, is 
in octavo form, and makes a fine substantial book, which, 
both in respect to the outer and inner, will be an ornament 
to any library." — Albany Argus. 

" These productions constitute a bright relief to the 
bad and corrupting literature in which our age is so- 
prolific, full of practical instruction, illustrative of the 
beauty of Protestant Christianity, and not the less abound- 
ing in entertaining description and narrative." — Journal 
of Commerce. 

" In justice to the publisher and to the public, we add 
that this edition of Charlotte Fiizabeth's Works will form 
a valuable acquisition to the Christian and Family Libra- 
ry." — Christian Observer. 

Qi We experience a sense of relief in turning from the 
countless small volumes, though neat and often ornate, 
that the press is constantly throwing in our way, to a 
bold, substantial-looking octavo of 600 pages, in plain 
black dress, with a bright, cheerful countenance, such as 
the volumes before us. Of the literary characteristics of 
Charlotte Elizabeth we have had frequent occasion to 
speak. Her merits and defects are too well known to 
»eed recapitulation here." — Newark Daily Advertiser. 

This third volume completes this elegant octavo edition 
of the works of this popular and useful author. The 
works themselves are so well known as not to need com- 
mendation. The edition we are disposed to speak well 
of. It is in clear type, on fine paper, and makes a beauti- 
ful series. It is, moreover, very cheap." — New York 
Evangelist. 



WE ALSO PUBLISH THE FOLLOWING OF CHARLOTTE ELIZ- 
ABETH'S WORKS, IN UNIFORM, NEAT 18mO. VOLS., 
VARYING FROM 25 TO 50 CENTS PER VOL. 



Boohs Published and jor Sale hy M. IF. Dodd. 

CHARLOTTE ELIZABETH'S ¥/0RKS. 

IN ISmo. VOLUMES. 

JUDAH'S LION. 

u In a sprightly, well-written narrative, containing scenes of high dra- 
matic interest; it portrays the character and hopes of the Jews in their 
dispersion, and points to the means which may be blessed in restoring 
them to the faith of Abraham, in the true Messiah." — Philcu Observer. 

" Individuality of character is faithfully preserved, and every one is 
necessary to the plot. The reader will find in this book much informa- 
ti >n that he can only find elsewhere by very laborious research. Char- 
lotte Elizabeth is a firm believer in the national restoration of the Jews 
to the possession of Palestine, but believes they will previously be con- 
verted to Christianity. We advise our friends not to take up this book 
until they can spare time for the perusal ; because, if they commence, it 
will require much self-denial to lay it down until it is fairly read 
through/*' — Christian Adv. and Jour. 

THE FLOWER GARDEN. 
A collection of deeply interestina; Memoirs, beautifully 
illustrated under the similitude of flowers. 

SECOND CAUSES ; 

OR, UP AND BE DOING. 

K We consider this little volume before us one of the best practical 
works from the pen of this popular writer. It presents a series of inter- 
esting illustrations of the efficacy of that faith which looks above and 
beyond second causes ; and relies for support on the word and promises 
of God." — Christian Observer. 

FALSEHOOD AND TRUTH. 

u A beautiful and instructive volume, worthy to be put into the hands 
of all children and youth, as a choice token of parental solicitude for 
their preservation from insidious errors, and the establishment of the 
truth as it is in Jesus. Few there are indeed of any age who can read it 
without equal profit and pleasure." — Boston Recorder. 

CONFORMITY. 

" We read this little volume with great and unqualified satisfaction. 
We •wish we could induce every professor of religion in our large cities, 
and indeed all who are in any way exposed to contact with the fashiona 
ble world, to read it. The author, in this little work, fully sustains her 
high reputation as a very accomplished and superior writer, and the 
staunch advocate of Evangelical principles, carried out and made influ- 
ential upon the whole life and conduct." — Epis. Recorder. 



Books Published and for Sale by M. W. Bodd. 



CHARLOTTE ELIZABETH S WORKS CONTINUED. 

WRONGS OF WOMEN. 
Part I. . ' Milliners and Dressmakers ;' II. ' The 
Forsaken Home ; III. ' The Little Pin-Headers ;* 
IV. ' The Lace Runners.' 

" Is now published in handsomely bound Tolumes by M. W. Dodd. 
These are the most popular and intensely interesting stories from the 
ever-moving pen of Charlotte Elizabeth, and we are desirous to see them 
widely read. They are eminently calculated to awaken sympathy for 
the oppressed and the poor, and we therefore take pleasure in calling to 
them the attention of our kind-hearted readers." — N. Y. Observer. 

" This yolume contains Charlotte Elizabeth's most graphic, truthful, 
and pathetic expressions of the ' Wrongs of Women.' She has come out 
as the champion of her sex, and if they have no such wrongs to be re- 
dressed in this country, they have thousands who sympathize with their 
enslaved sisters in Great Britain." — lb. 

"The authoress of the 'Wrongs of Women/ Charlotte Elizabeth, haj 
portrayed them in terms of exquisite pathos and heart-moving tender- 
ness. Eloquently and forcibly has she denounced the inhuman policy 
out of which they have grown ; and with all the susceptibilities and 
overwhelming influences of woman's affections, she approaches the sub- 
ject in the hope of being able to bring some alleviation, some mitigation 
of the mental and physical degradation of her sex." — American {Boston) 
Traveller. 

DANGERS AND DUTIES. 

" This volume is full of thrilling interest and instruction. Those who 
commence, will not be content till they have finished it, and they will 
find instruction presented in a form so irresistibly attractive and en- 
chanting, that they will read it through, and wish it longer still." — 
Christian Advocate. 

PASSING THOUGHTS. 

" Few volumes of 156 18mo pages, contain a greater amount of valuable 
thought happily arranged to secure attention and promote reflection. 
The anecdote of George III., p. 53, is new to us, as are indeed several 
other illustrations, but they are striking and beautiful. Books like this 
cannot be too widely circulated nor too frequently read. They supply 
heavenly aliment to the weak, useful medicine to the sick, and safe sti 
mulus to the healthy and the strong." — Boston Recorder. 



We also publish in elegant library style, illustrated with 
Steel Engravings, what to all intents and purposes may be 
considered a complete edition of the Works of this popu- 
lar Authoress. The edition is comprised in upwards of 
1500 large octavo pages. 

3 



Books Published and for Sale by M. W. Dodd. 



THE DESERTED, 

•' We have never (we speak advisedly) read a story that more entirely 
enchained us than this. We are not quite sure how much of it is 
fancy, and how much fact; but we rather suppose that the outline is 
rentable history, while the filling up may have been drawn partly from 
the author's imagination. The principal hero of the story Is a young 
Irishman, who was lead through the influence of one of his comrades, 
to enlist in the British Army, contrary to the earnest entreaties of his 
mother, and who went on from one step to another in the career of crLme 
till he was finally shot as a deserter ; though not till after he had practi- 
cally embraced the Gospel. The account of the closing scene is one of 
She finest examples of pathetic description that we remember to have met 
<vith. The whole work illustrates with great beauty and power the 
lownward tendencies of prolligacy, the power of divine grace to subdue 
ihe hardest heart, and the encouragement that Christians have never 
to despair of the salvation, even of those who seem to have thrown 
themselves at the greatest distance from divine mercy." — Albany Daily 
Citizen. 

" This is one of the happiest efforts of this exceedingly popular writer. 
Its great aim appears to be to exhibit the truly benevolent influence of 
real piety upon the heart of man, as well as the degrading nature of sin. 
The narrative is admirably sustained — the waywardness of the unre- 
generate exhibited in living colors, and so interspersed with sketches of 
the 'soldier's life,' as to add a thrilling interest to the whole. It forms 
a neat library volume of near 250 pages, and is handsomely printed and 
bound in cloth." — Auburn Journal. 

" One of the happiest productions of the author. The narrative is 
well sustained, and the personages and character are true to nature " 
— Commercial Advertiser. 

COMBINATION 

" This is a tale, founded on facts, from the gifted pen of Charlotte Eliz- 
abeth. It is well written, and contains the very best of advice. It lays 
down with great force the mighty truth, that without Religion there 
can be no virtue ; and that without the fear and love of God, man will 
inevitably be dashed on the rocks of irredeemable ruin. Religion is the 
Sheet Anchor, the only protection to hold by in the hour of violent 
temptation ; but if that be lost, all is over. Such little works as these 
are eminently calculated to produce a vast amount of good ; and there- 
fore let the heads of families place them upon their table for the benefit 
of their children. 

" In no better way could an evening be spent than by having it read 
aloud, that a warning may be taken from the folly of others, and that 
the course which has led them to ignominy and disgrace may be most 
carefully avoided." — Boston American Traveller 

THE DAISY— THE YEW TREE, 

Chapters on Flowers. 

Three most delightful little volumes, made up in part from 
her very popular Flower Garden Tales for those who prefei 
them in smaller volumes. 

(7> 



Books Published and for Sale by M. W. Dodd. 



JUD/EA CAPTA, 

•Judsea Capta,' the last offering from the pen of this gifted and pop- 
ular writer, will be esteemed as one of her best works. It is a graphic 
narrative of the invasion of Judea by the Roman legions under Vespa- 
sian and Titus, presenting affecting views of the desolation of her towns 
and cities, by the ravages of iron-hearted, bloodthirsty soldiers, and of 
the terrible catastrophe witnessed in the destruction of Jerusalem 
The narrative is interspersed with the writer's views of the literal ful 
filrnent of prophecy concerning the Jews, as illustrated in their extra- 
ordinary history, and with remarks contemplating their returning pros- 
perity. Her occasional strictures on the history of the apostate Josephus, 
who evidently wrote to please his imperial masters, appear to have 
been well merited. The work is issued in an attractive and handsome 
volume." — Christian Observer. 

"if the present should prove to be Charlotte Elizabeth's last work, 
she could not desire to take her departure from the field of literature 
with a better grace ; and we doubt not that it will be considered, if not 
the best, yet among the best of her productions. It is full of scripture 
truth, illustrated bv the charm of a most powerful eloquence ; and no 
one, we should suppose, could read it without feeling a fresh interest 
in behalf of the Jewish nation, and a deeper impression of the truth 
and greatness, and ultimate triumph of Christianity." — Albany Daily 
Advertiser. 

"This volume contains a description of some of the most terrific 
scenes of which this earth has been the theatre. But instead of con 
lemplating them merely as a part of the world's history, it takes into 
view their connection with the great scheme of Providence, and shows 
how the faithful and retributive hand of God is at work amidst the 
fiercest tempest of human passion. The work contains no small por- 
tion of history, a very considerable degree of theology, and as much 
beautiful imagery and stirring eloquence as we often find within the 
same limits. Those who have the other works from the same pen, 
will purchase this almost of course ; and they need have no fear that 
it will disappoint any expectation which its predecessors may have 
awakened." — Albany Religious Spectator. 

Also just published — 

a THE CHURCH VISIBLE IN ALL AGES." 
A work, making attraction to the youthful as well as tiie 
more mature mind, a deeply interesting and important subject. 



All the foregoing are printed on clear, white paper, and 
bound to match) making an attractive a$d beautiful set of 
books. They are sold in sets or separately, varying from 
2."> to 50 cents per volume. When purchased for Sabbath 
Schools, a liberal deduction is made from the above prices. 
(S) 



Books Published and for Sale by M, W. Dodd. 

THE TREE OF THE KNOWLEDGE OF 
GOOD AND EVIL. 

By I. H. McIlvaine, of Utic£.. 

We have read this work with more than ordinary interest and profit. 
It possesses great intellectual power and richness. In its composition, the 
■mind of its gifted author was filled with his subject ; and he has travelled 
ihrough it, as one acquainted with all the way-marks and crossings along 
the avenues of Biblical interpretation. Kis clear, metaphysical mind, while 
it solves difficult problems in revelation, detects the sophisms of mere 
worldly wisdom, and wrests from socialism and infidelity the weapons they 
7,vould use against the Gospel of God. Man is taught to bow his wisdom 
to the wisdem of Jehovah, to sit at His feet and learn of him ; to under- 
stand the natuie of the curse pronounced upsn the serpent ; and of the 
promise given to the woman. To understand the nature, too, of his owa 
/creation ; ©f the subtilty of the serpent ; ef man in his innocence and fall ; 
•of the institution of marriage ; its true unity, and of all the relations and 
obligations growing out of it, between husbands and wives, parents and 
children. The author's conception of the Eature of marriage, as a union of 
the earthly and mortal in creatures, of the desires and affections, of the 
-sympathies and love of this nature, and of the wisdom and prudence which 
stand at its head — and not a union ef spirit with spirit — is admirable, 
and should be commended to the careful study of every individual.— Mbanjn 
■.Spectator. 



IN PRESS, 

A MEMOIR 
CHARLOTTE ELIZABETH, 

Embracing the Period 

FROM THE €LGSE GF HER PERSONAL RECOLLECTIONS 
TO HER BExiTH. 

fS'ITH JSOTES EXPLANATORY OF F2SS0NAL RECOLLECTIONS. 

BY L. IL J. TONNA. 



Boolts Published and for Sale by M. W. Bodd. 



DR. RICHARD'S LECTURES. 

Lectures on Mental Philosophy and Theology. By Jame» 
Richards, D.D. Late Professor in Auburn Theological 
Seminary. With a Sketch of his Life. By Samuel II. 
Gridley. And a finely engraved likeness. 8vo. 

"For natural vigour of mind, practical wisdom, fervent piety, and un- 
wearied diligence, both as a minister of the Goepel and teacher of Theo- 
logy, the professor of Theology in the Theological Seminary at Auburn 
stood deservedly high in the estimation of all who knew him or his writ- 
ings. The discussions in this volume relate to some of the most profound 
and difficult subjects, yet are distinguished for great clearness of method, 

strength of thought and simplicity of style We only regret that 

the taste for lighter reading will probably exclude this volume from the 
libraries of those who most need it. To students in Theology, and think- 
ing laymen, it presents strong allurements, and will abundantly compen- 
sate for the time of more than a single reading." — Conn. Adv. 

CHRISTIAN IMPERFECTION. 

Lectures on the Moral Imperfection of Christians. De- 
signed to show that while sinless perfection is obligatory 
on all, it is attained, by none. By Sefh Williston, D.l> 

28mo. 

** This is a work which will repay many a reading. In force of reason- 
ing, felicity of illustration, and power of application and conclusion, ifc 
will commend itself to the strongest intellect; while the Christian will 
be convinced, that the Rev. author, instead of lowering the standard of 
divine graces and duties, raises it to the highest point of Christian excel- 
lence and to the perfections of God, so that the true disciple of Christ will 
be led to humble himself before God, and repent daily in dust and ashes, 
of his involuntary sins of omission and commission." — Alb. Spectator. 

NEVINS' SERMONS. 

Sermons. By the late William JYevins, D. D. With a 
finely engraved portrait. 12mo. 

UNION TO CHRIST. 

By Rev. H. Taylor. 18mo. 

NON-CONFORMITY TO THE WORLD, 

BY THE RENEWING OF THE MIND. 
By Rev. G. JV. Judd. 32mo. 

FRAGMENTS; 

FROM THE STUDY OF A PASTOR. 

By Gardiner Spring, D. D. 12mo. 

5 



Books Published iiil for Sale by M. W. Dodd. 



MRS. DWIGHT &, GRANT. 
Memoirs of Mrs. Elizabeth B. Dwight, of the Mission at 
Constantinople ; and Mrs. Grant, of the Persia Mission. 

1-2 mo. 

MEMOIR OF MRS. ISABELLA GRAHAM. 

ISmo. 

TIMOTHY W. LESTER. 
Memoir of Timothy VV. Lester ; or, Eminent Piety the 
greU qualification for usefulness. By Isaac C. Beach. 
ISmo. 

THE CONVERTED MURDERER; 
A Narrative. By Rev. William Blood; with an Introduc- 
tion, by William C. Brownlee, D.D. ISmo. Designed 
to show the power of Divine Grace in renewing the most 
depraved. 

BIOGRAPHY OF THE SAVIOUR AND 
HIS APOSTLES. ISmo. 

THE BIBLE BAPTIST, NO. I. 

OR, WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY ON THE MODE OF BAP- 

TIZM 1 

By Thomas P. Hunt. 18mo. 

THE BIBLE BAPTIST, NO, II: 

OR, WHO DOES THE BIBLE SAY MUST BE BAPTIZED? 
By Thomas P. Hunt. ISmo. 
The above two works a^e published in neat pamphlet 
form, and are furnished by the quantity for distribution 
at a low rate. 

RELIGIOUS EMBLEMS. 

Being a Series of Emblematic Engravings, with Written 
Explanations, Miscellaneous Observations, and Religious 
Reflections, designed to illustrate Divine Truth, in ac- 
cordance with the cardinal principles of Chi'istianity. 
By William Holmes and John W. Barber. 

THE CHURCH MEMBER'S MONITOR, 

Containing a Pastor's friendly hints and advices on the 

privileges, duties and encouragements of Christians in 

Church fellowship, with a view to the revival and 

spread of Scriptural religion. By Charles Moase. 32mo 

6 



Books Published and for Sale by M. W. Dodd. 



CHRISTIAN CONFIDENCE. 
By Gardiner Spring, D.D. ISmo. 

WINSLOW ON THE ATONEMENT. 

Experimental and Practical Views of the Atonement. By 
Octavius Winslow. ISmo. 

" This is the first of a series of works which the author designs to pub 
lish, of Experimental and practical views of divine truth ;' and if all 
those forthcoming prove as valuable as this, they must greatly bless the 
Christian Church. The work before us is a mirror in which Christ, in 
his atoning sacrifice ; is reflected in the face of the Church, and in which 
she beholds her entire beauty, righteousness and eternal life, as hid with 
Christ in God." — Albany Spectator. 

PROF. H. P. TAPPAN'S WORKS. 

3 vols. 12mo. 

1. A Review of ' Edwards' Inquiry into the Freedom of 

the Will.' II. The Doctrine of the Will determined 

by an Appeal to Consciousness. III. The Doctrine of 

the Will applied to Moral Agency and Responsibility. 

A GUIDE TO MOTHERS AND NURSES. 

By the late Caleb Ticknor, A.M., M.D. 12mo. 

THINKS- 1 -TO -MYSELF. 

A serio-ludicro-tragico-comico tale. Written bv Thinks- 
I-to-Myself-Who. 12mo. 

THE PILGRIM'S NOTE BOOK; 

OR, CHOICE SAYINGS ILLUSTRATIVE OF CHRISTIAN CHA 
RACTER AND DUTY. 

Selected by Mrs. F. L. Smith. 32mo. 

" It is a string of pearls, to be sought and kept and admired : just the 
book to lie on every body's table, to be caught up and read at a leisure 
moment for refreshment and reflection." — N. Y. Observer. 

THE EXAMPLE OF WASHINGTON; 

COMMENDED TO THE YOUNG. 

By Joseph Alden, D.D. 18mo. 

This volume does not contain a narrative of the life of "Washington 
A few incidents are given, and some of his prominent qualities set forth 
for the imitation of the young in their efforts toward the formation of 
character. 



Books Published and for Sale by M. W. DodoL 



THE GREAT SECRET DISCOVERED, 

By Joseph JLlden, D.D. ISmo. 

Children will read this story with avidity, and it will teach them an 
important lesson: that they can find happiness in pleasing one another, 
and misery in trying always to have their own way. The writer has 
very happily hit the vein that will lead to the hearts of the young, and 
we trust that he will not let this be the last of his efforts for their in 
fitruction. 

PLAY-ROOM POETRY. 

A collection of Poetry for children, combining amusement 

with instruction. With beautiful illustrations. 16mo. 

THE TRAVELLER j 

.OR, WONDERS OF NATURE. 18mo. 

MRS. SHERWOOD'S WORKS. 

I < The Drooping Lily.' 18mo. II. ' The Violet 
Leaf.' ISmo. III. * The Lofty and Lowly Way* 

I8mo. 

SCENES IN ROME, 

IN THE EARLY DAYS OF CHRISTIANITY. 

By J. W. Taylor. 18mo. 

11 This little work carries us back into the heart of Pagan Rome, ani, 
shows us Christianity in some of its most vigorous 'workings with the 
power of evil. It narrates various scenes, which, without any great ef- 
fort of imagination, may be supposed to have taken place under the reign 
of bloody Nero; and the lofty moral heroism which it exhibits on the 
one hand, and the spirit of fiend-like cruelty which comes out on the 
other, fill us with alternate admiration and horror." — Alb. Daily Citizen. 

THE CHILD'S BOOK OF DEVOTION, 

A collection of Hymns for Children. 18mo. 

THE STORY OF GRACE, 

THE LITTLE SUFFERER WHO DIED IN NEW-YORK, 1837 

18mo. 

MY NATIVE VILLAGE. 

Sketches from real life ; designed to aid the Temperance 
Cause. 18m@. 



Books Published and for Sale by 31. W. fJodd. 

THINKS I TO MYSELF; 
A Serio-Ludicro-Tragico-Comico Tale. Written by Thinkg I 
To Myself Who 1 1 vol. l2mo. 

ELIZABETH THORNTON, 

Or the Flower and Fruit of Female Piety, &c. 1 vol. 18mo. 

"This is the sketch of a young female possessing no common ex- 
cellence of character ; although called away from her labors of Chris- 
tian love when she scarcely numbered a score of years, she was truly 
ripe for heaven. She lived and acted while life was hers for the great 
end of being ; and no one of her sex could read this development of 
an exalted character without the desire to imitate such an example. 
It is just such a book we can most heartily recommend for the Family 
and Sunday School Library." — N. Y. Com. Advertiser. 

JANE BRUSH, AND HER COW. 

"It is a beautiful story, and none the less so we dare say, for the 
dovetailing of the translator's charming imagination into the text — for 
she tells us that she has added to the original — though it is so very in- 
geniously done that it is quite impossible for us at least to discover the 
6 spots in the wainscot.' The little volume furnishes one of the few 
instances in. which a work professing to be written for children, has 
been successful. It is not written down to their feelings and compre- 
hensions but exactly upon a level with ihem. Its language, and the inci- 
dents of the tale are precisely what they should be to make an im- 
pression and do good. There is no baby talk about it, and yet, every 
thing is so said as to adapt itself at once to the capacity of the young 
mind at the earliest stage of its understanding. No better child's book 
has ever been written, and we, at any rate, have found it very delight- 
ful readings/or children of some age." — Courier fy Enquirer 

MORAL TALES FOR CHILDREN. 

By Uncle Arthur. Illustrated by seven engravings. 1 vol. 

32mo. 

" Uncle Arthur, the avowed narrator of these stories, must be a new 
relation of Peter Parley and Robert Merry, he has so happy a faculty 
of arresting the attention and winning the regard of the young. His 
stories are simple and natural ; having a direct religious tendency, 
and cannot fail to exert a salutary influence upon the juvenile mind. : ' 
— Boston Merc. Journal. 

THE TRAVELER, 

Or Wonders of Nature and Art. 2 vols. l8mo. 

MEMOIR OF MRS. ELIZABETH B. DWIGHT? 
Including an account of the Plague in 1837. By Rev. EL O, 
O. D wight, Missionary to Constantinople. With a Sketch 
of the Life of Mrs. Judith 3. Grant, Missionary to Persia. 



Books Published tend for Sale Oy M. W. Dodd. 

UN ADDTION TO THE FOREGOING IS ALSO PUBLISHED, 
MEMOIRS OF REV. JOHN WILLIAMS, 

Missionary to Polynesia. By Rev. Ebcnezer Prout, of Hal- 

etead. 1 vol. l"2mo. 

"Mr. Dodd has published a fine edition of Prout's Memoirs of Rev 
John WTJiams, Missionary to Polynesia. The lives of few men afford 
more ample material for an instructive and interesting biography than 
that of Williams. His ardent, energetic, and successful labors as a 
Missionary of the Cross, are almost without parallel. His self-denying 
and eminently prosperous efforts in Polynesia have been extensively 
before the public in the ' Missionary Enter prises,' and the friends of 
missions every where hold him in affectionate and melancholy re- 
membrance as the *• Martyr of Erromanga.' The author of the Me- 
moir now published, has, without drawing largely upon the facts with 
which the Christian public are already familiar, produced a volume 
of intense interest. The work is not merely the eulogy, but the his- 
tory of the active and efficient life of a man whose works constantly 
spoke his praise, even to the hour of his tragic death. We take plea- 
sure in commending the excellent mechanical execution of the vol 
ume." — 

MEMOIR OF THE LIFE, LABORS, AND EXTENSIVE 
USEFULNESS OF THE REV. CHRISTMAS EVANS, 

A Distinguished Minister of the Baptist Denomination in 
Wales. Extracted from the Welsh Memoir by David Phil- 
lips. 1 vol. l2mo. With portraits. 

" One or two specimens of the preaching of this celebrated Welsh 
divine have been extensively read in this country, and have been sufii 
rient to mark the author as a man of extraordinary genius. We are 
jrlad to know more of him. The memoir before us gives a succint 
account of his life and labors, and presents the portraiture of a man 
cf great talents, eminent piety, and most amiable character. There 
are"al30 several specimens of his writings which are exceedingly in- 
teresting, end an account of the origin, nature, and influence of San- 
demanif-iiium, of which Evans was well nigh a victim, more complete 
and satisfatt< ry than any thing we have ever seen, except Andrew 
Puller's wor'i on the subject. The memoir is a valuable addition to 
our stock of /elisious readme. It is well printed, anu adorneu with a 
portrait of E rans, the features of which are Welsh enough." — N. Y. 
Evangelist. 

THE ADVANCEMENT OF RELIGION THE CLAIMS 
OF THE TIMES. 
By Andrew Reed, D. D., with a Recommendatory Introduc- 
tion by Gardiner Spring, D. D. 1 vol. i2mo. 
Dr. Spring says, " At the request of the publishers I have paid some 
attention toi.se work of Dr. Reed, with the view of expressing my 
bumble jud/t-rcent of its merits. The reverend author is favorably 
known to the churches of this country, and tV-s work will detract 
nothing from his reputation. 

(3) 



Books Published and for Sale by M. IV. Dodd. 

With portions of it I have been exceedingly interested, as throwing 
-•gethef very important thoughts upon the most important topics of 
reirgious instruction, well arranged and favorably expressed. The 
work evidently cost the author time, effort, and prayer, and it is well 
worth the labor and solicitude it cost. Whoever reads it will be abun- 
dantiy compensated, and if he reads it with the spirit with which it 
was written, cannot fail to become a more enlightened and useful 
Christian. The object and aim of the writer is not a selfish one, but it 
is to do good. He takes a wide range, and yet having read the work 
the attentive reader will find that the substance of it is easily remem- 
bered. If our churches and our ministers would possess themselves 
of its principles and imbibe its spirit, they would have less cause to 
lament the decay of vital godliness, either in their own hearts, their 
families, or their congregations. 

"The publisher deserves commendation and encouragement for the 
attractive form in which he presents this volume to the public, and I 
take great pleasure in recommending it to all who purchase books for 
the sake of reading them." 

PRAYERS FOR THE USE OF FAMILIES", OR THE 
DOMESTIC MINISTERS ASSISTANT. 

By William Jay, author of Sermons, Discourses, &c., &c. 
From the last London Edition. With an Appendix, con- 
taining a number of select and original Prayers for partic- 
ular occasions. 1 vol. 12mo. 

"This volume has been long looked upon as one of the best collec- 
tions of devotional exercises for the domestic circle, that has been 
published, and by a la#ge class of Christians we doubt not that it is 
considered invaluable. The present edition will be still more desirable 
to American Christians, who will not fail to thank the publisher for 
the fine form in which he has presented it." — Courier $• New York 
Enquirer. 

A GOLDEN TREASURY FOR - r ~ u, » HREN OF GOD. 

Consisting of Select Texts of the Bible, with Practical Obser- 
vations, in Prose and Verse, for every day in the year. By 
C H. V. Bogatzky. A new edition, carefully revised and 
corrected. 1 vol. lGmo. 

"This is a reprint of a work written by a Polish Clergyman mors, 
than a century ago. We have seldom met with a work more admir- 
ably suited to the religious wants of families than the work before us. 
There is a lesson for every day in the year ; a portion of Scripture is 
taken and such reflections are given as the text suggests. Tnose fam- 
ilies who are in the laudable habit of calling their household together 
in the morning cannot do better than procure this work. The por- 
tion assigned foi each morning lesson is short, but full of the true 
spirit of "Christianity, and could not fail to have a salutary influence 
upon the thoughts and actions of the day. It is got up in the style of 
elegance for which the publisher, M. W. Dodd, is so well known." 

(4) 



Books bvblished and for Sale by At. IV. Doda. 

THE BOOK THAT WILL SUIT YOU; 

Or a Word for Every One. Ey Rev. James Smith, Author ol 
" Believer's Daily Remembrancer," &c. 

" An elegant l.ttle hand book of some 300 pages 16mo., and by an En 
jlish author Its contents are a rare selection of topics, treated briefly 
o suit the circumstances of those who have fifteen or twenty minutes 
.o spend in reading, which it would be wicked to throw away, and yet 
liscouraging to commence a heavier volume. 'The Successful Mo- 
uter,' 'The Child's Guide,' 'The Husband's example,' 'The Wife's 
Rule,' — these are some of the topics taken promiscuously fr< m the 
book ; and they show the author's mind to be travelling in the right di 
rection, viz. : towards the theory of life's daily practice. We hope 
that the time is near when Christian parlors will be emptied of 'The 
Book of Fashion,' ' Somebody's Lady's Book,' etc., etc., made up of 
love stories mawkishly told, and other drivelling nonsense ; and their 
places supplied with works like the ' Book that will Suit you' — no less 
pleasing, and far more useful." 

GRACE ABOUNDING TO THE CHIEF OF SINNERS, 

In a faithful account of the Life and death of John Bunyan, 
pp. 176. 

" We are pleased to see a very handsome edition of this admirable 
treatise. It is just published, and will be eagerly sought after by all 
who admire the spirit and genius of this remarkable man whose ' Pil- 
grims Progress' stands nearly if not quite at the head of religious lite- 
rature." 

KIND WORDS FOR THE KITCHEN; 

Or Illustrations of Humble Life. By Mrs. Copley. 

"This admirable little volume is the production of Mrs. Esther 
Copley, (late Mrs. Hewlett,) whose popularity as an authoress has long 
been established upon both sides of the Atlantic. The welfare of that 
interesting and important part of society who discharge the domestic 
duties of life has long engaged the attention of this distinguished and 
accomplished lady. 

" We have read the 'Kind Words for the Kitchen,' with a firm con- 
viction that it is the best work we have ever seen in so small a com 
pass for its designed purpose ; it suggests all that a sense of duty would 
lead the head of a well regulated household to advise, and having 
loaned the book to ladies distinguished for their judgment and skill as 
heads of well-governed families, they have urged its publication with 
a few omissions of matter deemed inappropriate to our country. 

" We believe almost every Christian lady will be glad to place such a 
manual of sound instruction in the hands of her domestics, and that 
which is kindly bestowed will generally be gratefully received. With 
an assurance that the general diffusion of this book would accomplish 
a most valuable service in binding together more closely the interests 
of the employer and the employed, and softening down the asperities 
which so frequently grow out of the ill performed duties of the house- 
hold sphere, we should rejoice to know that this little volume was 
placed by the side of the Bible in every kitchen of our country.' 



finr,k* f-'icbllshed and for Sate by M IV. lh«U. 

SERMONS, NOT BEFORE PU3LI3HZD, ON VARIOUS 
PRACTICAL SUBJECTS. 

By the late. Edward Dorr Griffin, D. D. 

"Dr. Griffin may be regarded as having been a prince among the 
princes of the American pulpit. He left a large number of sen.nms 
carefuily revised and ready for publication,, part of which were pub- 
lished shortly after his death, but the greater portion of which consti- 
tute the present volume. They are doubtless among the ablest dis- 
courses of the present day, and are alike fitted to disturb the delu dons 
of guilt, to quicken and strengthen, and comfort the Christian, '^n^ to 
serve as a model to the theological student, who would construct his 
discourses, in a way to render them at once the most impressive, and 
the most edifying." 

A MEMOIR OF THE REV. LEQH RICHMOND, A.M. 
Rector of Turvey, Bedfordshire. By Rev. T. S. Grimshaw, 
A. M.. Rector of Burton-Latimer, &c. Seventh American 
from the last London Edition, with a handsome Portrait or. 
Steel. 

"We have here a beautiful reprint of one of the best books of it 
class, to be found in our language. Such beauty and symmetry of cha 
racter, such manly intelligence and child like simplicity, such official 
dignity and condescending meekness, such warmth of zeal united wit! 
a perception of fitness which always discerns the right thing to bg 
done, and an almost faultless prudence in doing it, — are seldom found 
combined in the same person. It is a book for a minister, and a book 
for parishioners; a book for the lovers of nature, and a book for th* 
friends of God and of his species. Never perhaps were the spirits aw 
duties of a Christian Pastor more happily exemplified. Never dh 
warmer or purer domestic affections throb in a human bosom, or exer 
cise themselves more unceasingly and successfully for the comfort, the 
present well-being and final sa'vation of sons and daughters. From m 
heart probably, did ever good will Mow out to men. in a fuller, warmer 
current. In a word, be was the author of the 'Dairyman's Daughter, 
and the ' Young Cottager.' 

" The engraved likeness of Mr. Richmond alone is worth the cost of 
the work : as illustrative of the uncommon benignity that adorned and 
endeared the man to his friends and the world." 

UNCLE BARNABY? 

Or Recollections of his Character and Opinions, pp. 316. 

"The religion of this book is good — the morality excellent, and the 
mode of exhibiting their important lessons can hardly be surpassed in 
anything calculated to make them attractive to the young, or successful 
in correcting anything bad in their habits or morals. There are some 
twenty chapters on as many common sayings and maxims, occurrences 
and incidents — in this respect bearing a resemblance to ' the Prompter, 
a somewhat oracular book forty or fifty years ago. It is an excellent 
book to keep in a family, and may be alike beneficial to parents and 
children." 



Uooka Published and for Sale by M. W. Dodd. 
psychology; 

Oi a View of the Human Soul; including Anthropology, 
Adapted for the vise of Colleges and Schools. By Rev. F. A. 
Kauch, D. P., late President of Marshall College, Pa. Second 
edition, revised and improved. 1 vol. 8vo. 

1 We have devoted more time to the examination of this work than 
w <• ran usually devote to the books submitted to our consideration for 
l' passing notice, and in our opinion it is a work of great value. 

■■ !Iis first great object in these lectures is to teach man to know 
'limself. The second, is to give the science of man a direct bearing 
upon other sciences, and especially upon religion and theology. The 
execution of the work renders it admirably adapted to popular use, 
mid it should be studied by all. The clergyman should study it. The 
lawyer would derive great advantage from it. The physician canned 
be master of his profession without it." — N. Y. Com. Adv. 

A RESIDENCE OF EIGHT YEARS IN PERSIA, 

Among the Nestorian Christians. With Notices of the Mu- 

hammedans. By Rev. Justin Perkins. With Maps and 

twenty-seven beautiful colored plates. 1 vol. 8vo. 

"The attention of the Christian public has been called of late years 
with great interest to the Nestorians of Persia, and the recent visit to 
this country by Rev. Justin Perkins and Bishop Mar Yohanan, has 
awakened still greater anxiety to know more of this people, 'the 
venerable remnant of a once great and influential Christian Church.' 
The theory of Dr. Grant, that this people are the lost tribes of Israel, 
has attracted considerable attention, though since the examination of 
that theory by Dr. Robinson, we do not think it has very generally 
been embraced. These are obvious reasons to account for the anxiety 
with which the work of Mr. Perkins has been looked for since his in- 
tention to prepare a work on Persia wap announced, and we are quite 
confident that the public expectation will be more than answered by 
the graphic interest, the valuable information, and unique embellish- 
ments of the volume just issued. . . . Mr. Perkins has made a valuable 
contribution to the literature and science of our country, as well as to 
missionary annals. This handsome volume should adorn the library 
of every literary institution, and of every man of intelligence, and we 
trust it will thus be widely circulated." — N. Y. Observer 

HISTORY OF THE AMERICAN BOARD OF COMMIS- 
SIONERS FOR FOREIGN MISSIONS. 

Compiled chiefly from the Published and Unpublished Docu- 
ments of the Board. By Joseph Tracy. Second edition, 
carefully revised and enlarged. 1 vol. 8vo. 

" Mr. Tracy has performed his work well, and it is one that should 
be found in the library of every intelligent citizen. It is interesting 
in matter and subjects, and invaluable for a reference. The volume 
is handsomely printed, and fllustrated with numerous plates, some of 
which vrere drawn and eng-aved and printed by natives at Missionary 

(5) 



Books Publisned and for Sale by M. W. Dodd. 



stations. The whole comprises a neat octavo volume of 450 pages. 
The research, and clear and concise style of the work, entitle it to 
g r eat commendation." — Boston Traveler. 

PUNISHMENT BY DEATH \ ITS AUTHORITY AND 
EXPEDIENCY* 

By George B. Cheever. Second edition, with an Introduction 
by Hon. Theodore Frelinghuysen. 

"Aluminous and forcible exhibition of the Scriptural authority as 
well as the grounds of expediency on which the advocates of the ex- 
isting laws rest their defence. We commend the book to the perusal 
of those whose minds are unsettled on this subject, believing tha^ 
the author has gone thoroughly into the investigation of the argu- 
ments of those opposed to Capital Punishments, and has faithfully at- 
tempted to demonstrate both the inexpediency of the change, and its 
direct contravention of the teachings of Divine Truth." — New York 
Observer. 

TRIALS AND TRIUMPHS; OR FAITH REWARDED. 

By the Author of " Emma, or the Lost Found," " The Adopt- 
ed Child," &c. 1 vol. 18mo. 

" This interesting little narrative combines entertainment with in- 
struction of the choicest kind. It depicts, on the one hand, the meek- 
ness and humility with which the faithful follower of the Redeemer, 
reposing unwavering confidence in his abiding love and mercy, en- 
dures the chastening dispensations of an All-wise Provi ience ; and, on 
the other, the thankfulness and gratitude with which he receives un- 
expected benefits and mercies. It is an excellent book for the young, 
and from its perusal they cannot fail to derive both pleasure and profit." 
— N. Y. Journal of Commerce. 

MEMOIR OF MRS. ANNA MARIA MORRISON, 

Of the North India Mission. By Rev. E. J. Richards. 1 vol. 

18mo. 

" Mrs. Morrison was the wife of one of the Presbyterian Mission- 
aries in Hindostan, who was removed from the Church militant prior 
to their arrival at their appointed station. It is an instructive deline- 
ation of a superior and exemplary Christian female, just fitted to edify 
young women, by displaying the excellency of the Christian religion, 
and should be placed in the Sunday School Library for the special 
benefit of the female department. — Christian Intelligencer 

A MOTHER'S TRIBUTE TO A BELOVED DAUGHTER, 

Or Memoir of Malvina Forman Smith. 1 vol. J8mo. 

"The portrait of this much loved girl is drawn in a series of letters 
from different jnembers of the family, which are generally well writ- 
ten, and deveJop traits of intelligence, of affection, and of goodness, 
worthy of imitation by those of her sex who shall have the good for- 
tune to peruse hei brief history." — Boston Traveler. 

m 



Books published and for sale by M. TV. Dodd. 



MACKNIGHT'S EPISTLES 



A NEW LITERAL TRANSLATION 

From the Original Greek, 

OF ALL THE 

APOSTOLICAL EPISTLES. 

WITH A 

COMxMENTARY AND NOTES, 
Philological, Critical, Explanatory, and Practical. 

To which is added 

A HISTORY OF THE LIFE OF THE APOSTLE 

PAUL. 

By James Macknight, D. D., Author of a 
Harmony of the Gospels, &c. 

A New Edition, to which is prefixed an Account of the Life 
of the Author. 



KNAPP'S THEOLOGY. 



LECTURES 

ON 

CHRISTIAN THEOLOGY. 

BY 

GEORGE CHRISTIAN KNAPP, D. D., 
Professor of Theology in the University of Halle. 

Translated by Leonard Woods, Jun., D. D., President of 
Bowdoin College, Brunswick, Maine. 

Third American edition, reprinted from the last London 
edition. 



Books Published and for Scde by M. W. Dodd. 
CRUDEN'S COMPLETE CONCORDANCE. 



A COMPLETE CONCORDANCE 

TO THE 

HOLY SCRIPTURES 

OF THE 

OLD AND NEW TESTAMENT ; 

OR, A 

Dictionary and Alphabetical Index to the Bible : 

Very useful to all Christians who seriously read and study the 
inspired writings. 

IN TWO PARTS : 

CONTAINING, 

I. The Appellative or Common Words in so full and large a manner, 
that any verse may be readily found by looking for any material word in 
it. In this part the various Significations of the principal words are given ; 
by which the true meaning of many passages of Scripture is shown ; an 
account of several Jewish Customs and Ceremonies is also added, which 
may serve to illustrate many parts of Scripture. 

II. The Proper Names in the Scriptures. To this part is prefixed a 
Table, containing the signification of the words in the original languages 
from which they are derived. 

TO WHICH IS ADDED, 

A CONCORDANCE TO THE BOOKS CALLED APOCRYPHA. 

The whole digested in an easy and regular method : which, together with 
the various significations and other improvements now added, renders it 
more useful than any book of the kind hitherto published. 

BY ALEXANDER CRUDEN, M. A. 

From the Tenth London Edition, carefully revised and corrected by the 
Holy Scriptures. 

TO WHICH IS ADDED, 

AN ORIGINAL LIFE OF THE AUTHOR. 

" Ever since the first publication of Cruden's Concordance, in 1736, it has 
maintained the acknowledged reputation of being the very best work of the 
kind in the English language. Indeed, no other has ever deserved to be 



Books Published and for Sale by M. W. Dodd. 

even compared to it. It maintains its superiority still ; and probably will 
ever hold that pre-eminence. 

" We speak of the complete edition, which is here presented to the public. 
A work in the market called Cruden's Concordance being only a compila- 
tion from the complete work, and wanting many of its most valuable features. 
To abridge this work of Cruden, as it came from his finishing hand, would 
be to make it nearly valueless to ninety-nine of every hundred who need a 
concordance. And of all aids to an accurate understanding of the Bible, 
we believe Cruden's complete Concordance to be the best." 

"Dear Sir : — I have carefully compared your edition of Cruden's Con- 
cordance with a fine English edition, and find it true to the original. Know- 
ing, from many years' use, the value of Cruden, I cannot but be glad that 
you have thus presented a cheap edition of his invaluable work to the 
American public. I find in your copy, an unimpaired, complete, Cruden. 
This is not the case with another American edition, published last year. Iu 
that, great liberties are taken with the original work — such as abridgments, 
omissions, &c, greatly reducing the amount of its contents, and in the same 
proportion diminishing its value. A student of the Bible needs a concord- 
ance in which he can find every passage he wants. Your edition is just 
such a one." 

" We know, from long use, this fall and admirable reprint of the original 
Cruden's Concordance ; and we think that the whole value of the work 
depends upon its being complete and entire ; and that its great value would 
be impaired seriously by the omission of a single word or reference." 

"The high price at which this gigantic work has been necessarily sold 
hitherto, has prevented thousands from purchasing it. A complete edition, 
with the very latest corrections, with the notes of the author and every line 
of the London edition faithfully given, is now published, as above, for only 
two dollars. It is the best commentary on the Bible that was ever 
made : it is worth more to the diligent and devout student than the whole 
of Henry, or Scott, or any other critic, and we would part with all our 
commentaries rather than with Cruden's Concordance. It ought to be in 
every intelligent family, and we presume that the low price at which it is 
now sold will be the means of putting it into the hands of many who would 
not otherwise have obtained it." 



Boohs Published and for Sale hy M. W. Dodd. 



THE ATTRACTION OF THE CROSS. 

The Attraction of the Cross, designed to illustrate the 
leading Truths, Obligations and Hopes of Christianity. 
By Gardiner Spring, D.D. 12mo. Fourth edition. 

" We are not surprised to hear that Mr. Dodd, the publisher, has al- 
ready issued the third edition of the Attraction of the Cross, hy the Rev. 
Dr. Spring. It is the ablest and most finished production of its author, 
and will undoubtedly take its place in that most enviable position in the 
family, as a volume of standard reading, to be the comfort of the aged 
and the guide of the young. We commend it as one of the most valua- 
ble issues of the press." — N. Y. Observer. 

11 This is no ordinary, every-day volume of sermons, but the rich, 
ripe harvest of a cultivated mind — the result of long and systematic 
devotion to the proper work of the Christian ministry. We regard Dr. 
Spring as one of the most accomplished preachers of the country. We 
never heard him preach a weak discourse ; and whenever he appears 
from the press, it is with words of wisdom and power. A careful perusal 
of this admirable book has afforded us great pleasure. We do not won- 
der to find it so soon in a third edition. It will have a lasting reputa- 
tion." — Baptist Memorial. 

" This volume, which we announced two weeks ago, and which we then 
predicted would prove to be the most excellent and valuable work yet 

written by Dr. Spring, has more than equalled our expectations 

We trust that every family in our land will read this precious work, 
which illustrates so beautifully and attractively the leading truths, ob- 
ligations and hopes of Christianity, as reflected from the Cross of 
Christ." — Albany Spectator. 

" We mistake if this neatly-printed volume does not prove one of the 
most attractive religious works of the day. It presents the practical 
truths of religion, which all ought to know, free from the spirit of sect- 
arianism or controversy. The book is prepared for permanent use, and 
bids as fair, perhaps, as any book of the kind in our times, to live and 
speak long after the author shall have gone to test the realities he has 
so eloquently described." — Journal of Commerce. 

" Dr. Spring's new work, which we had occasion recently to announce, 
is very highly commended elsewhere. A New- York letter in the Boston 
Traveller thus introduces it to notice : — ' A new work of Dr. Spring, 
" The Attraction of the Cross," has been published by M. W. Dodd, of 
this city. , . ? " The Attraction of the Cross" is destined to live among 
the very best productions of the church with which its respected author 
is connected. The style is remarkably pure, the arrangements of the 
topics lucid and methodical, and the arguments addressed with great 
force to the reason and conscience. It will stand by the side of " Dod- 
dridge's Rise and Progress," " Wilberforce's View," or the " Way of 
Life," in the libraries of future generations.' " — Newark Daily Adv. 

" None will wonder at the rare success which this volume has won, 
who have read it. For comprehensiveness of views, beauty of style and 
excellence and fervor of devotional feeling, few works have lately ap- 
peared that surpass it." — New-York Evangelist. 

" The grand relations of the Cross, its holy influences, its comforts and 
its triumphs, are here exhibited in a manner cheering to the heart of 
the Christian. And the perusal of this book will, we venture to say 
greatly assist and comfort the children of God. . . ."— Presbyterian* 



SABBATH SCHOOL 
BOOK DEPOSITORY. 



BEING SOLE AGENT IN NEW-YOKE FOR THE SALE OF TI?E 
PUBLICATIONS OF THE 

MASSACHUSETTS SUNDAY SCHOOL SOCIETY, 

we have at all times on hand a full assortment of their publi- 
cations, in quantities which we furnish at wholesale and retail 
at the Society's prices in Boston. In addition to their valuable 
series of Library Books, they publish a series of Question 
Books, for Sunday schools and Bible classes, which are unsur- 
passed, if equalled, by any now in use. 

In connection with the above, we have a large assortment 
of books published by ourselves and other individual publishers, 
suitable for Sunday school libraries. 

The above, with the publications of the Tract Societies, and 
other Sunday School Societies, which are furnished by us at 
Societies' prices, give us unusual facilities for filling orders for 
any thing needed for Sunday schools. 



♦ 



IN PRESS. 

SUNDAY SCHOOL LYRE. 

Words and Music cTdefiy new : Compiled and Composed 

By Thomas Hastings, 
Author of various musical and miscellaneous productions. 



M. W. DODD, 

IN ADDITION TO 

HIS OWN PUBLICATIONS, 

HAS ON HAND AT ALL TIMES A GOOD SUPPLY 
OF WORKS IN 

RELIGIOUS, THEOLOGICAL, 

Sbt&ni&xft & 3Kfe:ilUmc<m8 ILtterstttre, 
SCHOOL BOOKS, &c. 

AND IS RECEIVING CONSTANTLY 

NEW WORKS, 

AS THEY ARE ISSUED FROM THE PRESS, 
ALL OF WHICH HE WILL SELL, AT 

WHOLESALE OR RETAIL, 

ON THE MOST FAVORABLE TERMS. 






- 



»/f 



LIBRARY OF CONGRESS £ 



029 789 281 2 



